The administration of President Joseph Boakai has become synonymous with corruption and political patronage, mainly through the retention of officials who have been implicated in questionable activities. As Liberia faces an uphill battle with its development goals, the continued involvement of high-ranking individuals in the government, despite their involvement in scandals and mismanagement, reflects a concerning lack of accountability within the state apparatus. This analysis delves into some of the most notorious individuals and their actions, questioning the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and good governance.
The 2024 political climate in Liberia has been marred by scandals involving several officials who have retained their positions despite facing serious corruption accusations. The persistence of these figures in top positions not only questions the integrity of Boakai’s leadership but also highlights the impunity that allows corrupt individuals to thrive within the government. Rather than decisively removing those who have tarnished the administration's image, President Boakai’s approach has allowed these officials to maintain their power and influence. The government’s failure to act against these figures reveals a system of patronage that favors loyalty over competence, transparency, and accountability.
1. Sylvester Grisby - Minister of State for Presidential Affairs
Sylvester Grisby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, remains one of the most controversial figures in Boakai's administration. Before Boakai's inauguration, Grisby was involved in an illegal transaction with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), where he allegedly misappropriated public funds to purchase luxury vehicles[4]. This scandal, known as the NASSCORP scandal, highlights Grisby's apparent misuse of his proximity to power for personal gain.
According to reports, Grisby directed NASSCORP to purchase five new SUV vehicles valued at approximately $117,000 for use outside official functions[4]. This alleged directive occurred before Grisby officially assumed his position in government, raising questions about the propriety of his actions and the use of state resources[4].
Despite being implicated in this financial misconduct, Grisby has maintained a powerful position within the government, serving as one of the President's closest allies. This situation exemplifies how corruption appears to be tolerated if it serves political interests within the administration[1].
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into these allegations, with Rep. Yekeh Y. Kolubah accusing Grisby of requesting $5 million from NASSCORP before the presidential inauguration[12]. The investigation aims to determine whether Grisby had the authority to make such requests as an advisor to the then-president-elect[12].
Grisby's continued influence underscores the Boakai administration's apparent prioritization of political loyalty over integrity, raising doubts about the government's commitment to justice and fairness in the face of corruption[1].
2. Abdullah Kamara - Liberia Telecommunications Authority
Abdullah Kamara, the Acting Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), faces serious allegations of corruption. A General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit revealed that Kamara, in his former role as CEO of TAMMA Corporation, was involved in payments totaling L$262,844,500 and US$450,000 made without proper adherence to procurement protocols[6][13].
Kamara is also accused of being involved in a $2.6 million scam that allegedly deprived over 10,000 young Liberians of digital literacy opportunities[7]. The project, aimed at accelerating digital literacy and improving internet connectivity among Liberian youth, reportedly saw its funding vanish without any tangible work being done[7].
Despite these allegations, Kamara continues to serve as Acting Chairperson of the LTA, raising questions about President Boakai's commitment to addressing corruption within his administration[6][14]. The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has called for Kamara's dismissal, citing the GAC audit findings[13].
3. Roland Giddings - Ministry of Public Works
Roland Giddings, Minister of Public Works, has faced allegations of corruption related to the misallocation of public contracts. Giddings openly acknowledged widespread corruption within his sector, disclosing that many projects have been left uncompleted or abandoned due to contractors failing to fulfill their obligations despite receiving payments[1].
Giddings specifically mentioned a US$4.8 million contract for road construction machines, of which only US$3.2 million worth of equipment was delivered, leaving the government shortchanged by US$800,000[1]. He also faced criticism for claiming to have used US$22 million on dusty roads with little to no impact[1].
The retention of Giddings in his post, despite these accusations, points to the entrenched corruption that appears to permeate the administration and the failure of the government to act against such practices[1].
4. Dorr Cooper - Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Dorr Cooper, Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is embroiled in a serious academic fraud scandal. A leaked investigative report from the University of Liberia accuses Cooper of falsely claiming a degree from the institution and orchestrating an elaborate scheme to cover up his lack of legitimate academic credentials[8][9].
The report alleges that Cooper paid $10,000 to university staff to impersonate a deceased student, enabling his fraudulent graduation[15]. The investigation revealed the involvement of several staff members who facilitated Cooper's deceit[15].
The University of Liberia's investigative committee has recommended that Cooper's degree be revoked and called for the Ministry of Justice to prosecute him for academic fraud[15]. Despite these serious allegations, Cooper continues to serve in his role at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry[1][8].
5. Dorbor Jallah - Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA)
Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), is under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the controversial purchase of a US$96,000 vehicle for former Commerce Minister Amin Modad[10][11]. Senator Nathaniel McGill has called for an investigation into Jallah's role, arguing that the LRA violated the law by instructing Medtech to purchase the vehicle[10][16].
Critics, including former diplomat Isaac W. Jackson Jr., have called for Jallah's resignation, accusing him of enabling the procurement scandal[11]. Jackson argued that Jallah authorized the US$96,000 payment without proper due diligence[11].
The LRA has attempted to clarify its involvement, stating that the funds for the vehicle came from its Customs Capacity Building Fund under a longstanding contract with MEDTECH Scientific Limited[11]. However, public criticism continues to mount over the apparent lack of oversight and accountability in the Modad vehicle scandal[11][17].
Despite the controversy, Jallah remains head of the LRA, highlighting the administration's apparent failure to hold individuals accountable for mismanagement and corruption[1][17].
Additional Instances of Corruption Under Boakai's Administration
1. Alteration of the National Budget:
The Boakai administration has faced accusations of altering the national budget without proper approval, including diverting funds meant for social services and development projects. This practice has undermined the financial management system and contributed to public distrust in government institutions. According to the Liberia People's Party (LPP), the administration concealed $US251 million in loans to be borrowed while only reporting $US45 million as loans in the 2024 budget. This discrepancy raises serious questions about transparency in fiscal management[6].
2. Yellow Machine Scandal:
The yellow machine controversy involved misallocating government equipment originally intended for infrastructure projects. Initially, Minister of State without Portfolio Mamaka Bility announced that 285 earthmoving machines had been acquired and were en route to Liberia. However, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah later backtracked, stating that no deal had been made. This inconsistency in government communication raises concerns about transparency and proper management of state resources[5].
3. Off-Budget Spending:
Boakai's administration has been linked to off-budget spending, where funds are spent without legislative oversight. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) announced an investigation into allegations of financial malpractices by officials of Boakai's government, suggesting that over US$15 million has been misappropriated. This practice violates established financial management protocols and raises urgent questions about transparency and accountability[4].
4. Unlawful Dismissals:
The illegal dismissal of officials holding tenured positions has raised concerns about the rule of law and political retaliation. While specific examples are not provided in the search results, this practice is mentioned as part of a broader pattern of governance issues under the Boakai administration[1].
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Governance Reform
The Boakai administration's response to corruption allegations has been criticized as inadequate, revealing a system where political loyalty and nepotism appear to outweigh good governance and accountability. Key figures implicated in various scandals have retained their positions:
1. Sylvester Grisby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, remains in office despite allegations of misappropriating public funds for luxury vehicle purchases[1].
2. Abdullah Kamara, Acting Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, continues to serve despite accusations of corruption and involvement in a $2.6 million scam[1].
3. Roland Giddings, Minister of Public Works, has faced allegations of corruption related to misallocation of public contracts, including claims of using US$22 million on dusty roads with little impact[1].
4. Dorr Cooper, Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, remains in his position despite being embroiled in a serious academic fraud scandal[1].
5. Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, is under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the controversial purchase of a US$96,000 vehicle for a former minister[1].
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has criticized the Boakai administration for failing to deliver on anti-corruption promises. CENTAL's Executive Director, Anderson D. Miamen, highlighted systemic governance failures and a lack of political will as significant obstacles to combating corruption in Liberia[11].
As Liberia approaches the 2029 elections, the government's ability to restore credibility and address underlying issues of corruption will be crucial. CENTAL has called on President Boakai to take immediate actions, including:
1. Removing and prosecuting officials implicated in corruption scandals.
2. Enforcing compliance with asset declaration laws.
3. Strengthening and adequately funding anti-graft institutions such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC)[11].
While the Boakai administration has taken some steps towards reform, such as launching the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS)[12], critics argue that more decisive action is needed. The administration's response to corruption allegations will be critical in determining whether Liberia can break free from the cycle of patronage and impunity that has hindered its development for so long.
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References
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/40974682/e05642db-dab7-411f-acd9-15db39d5df6b/Boakai-s-Sacred-Cows.docx
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[7] https://oraclenewsdaily.com/2024/09/05/liberia-the-deceivers-lta-chief-abdullah-kamara-wrapped-in-2-6-million-scam-that-deprived-over-10000-young-people/
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[11] https://smartnewsliberia.com/lra-commissioner-general-jallah-under-fire-for-enabling-us96k-vehicle-scandal-amid-calls-for-resignation/
[12] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-house-probes-allegations-of-corruption-involving-the-minister-of-state/
[13] https://liberianinvestigator.com/featured/cental-calls-for-dismissal-and-suspension-of-abdullai-kamara-dorr-cooper-for-alleged-corruption-fraud/
[14] https://liberianinvestigator.com/editorial/pres-boakai-must-suspend-kamara-investigate-his-companys-role-in-alleged-corruption-at-lta/
[15] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/education/liberia-ul-investigation-recommends-prosecution-of-commerce-inspector-dorr-cooper-for-academic-fraud-several-suspended-others-dismissed/Boakai's Sacred Cows, Corruption, Impunity, Liberia's Current Administration
[16] https://verityonlinenews.com/margibi-county-senator-nathaniel-mcgill-demands-accountability-from-lra-boss-in-luxury-car-scandal/
[17] https://smartnewsliberia.com/lra-chief-jallah-faces-mounting-pressure-over-us96000-luxury-vehicle-scandal-as-resignation-rumors-intensify/Boakai's Sacred Cows, Corruption, Impunity, Liberia's Current Administration
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/40974682/e05642db-dab7-411f-acd9-15db39d5df6b/Boakai-s-Sacred-Cows.docx
[2] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/40974682/71e2b62f-dca5-48c2-a0c4-47e1f5b83e40/paste.txtBoakai's Sacred Cows, Corruption, Impunity, Liberia's Current AdministrationBoakai's Sacred Cows, Corruption, Impunity, Liberia's Current Administration
[3] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/40974682/1f1c8fc1-1bab-4265-a15b-cf0ebdb3e479/paste.txtBoakai's Sacred Cows, Corruption, Impunity, Liberia's Current Administration
[4] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-pressure-mounts-on-president-boakai-to-act-against-corrupt-officials-in-up-led-government/
[5] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-boakai-led-government-fumbles-over-yellow-machines-scandal/
[6] https://www.theperspective.org/2024/0619202402.php
[7] https://www.heritagenewslib.com/heritage/news/news/detail/president-boakai-launches-new-system-to-boost-government-accountability-in-liberia-1627
[8] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-governance-and-justice-initiative-issues-statement-on-president-boakais-leadership-ahead-of-unga-conference/
[9] https://smartnewsliberia.com/cental-demands-pres-boakai-act-swiftly-on-150k-vehicle-scandal-off-budget-spending-and-widespread-asset-declaration-violations/
[10] https://kukatononnews.com/failures-in-governance-corruption-and-neglect-gongloes-scathing-critique-of-boakais-administration/
[11] https://smartnewsliberia.com/cental-criticizes-boakai-administration-for-failing-to-deliver-on-anti-corruption-promises/
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