MONROIA: In a scathing critique released on Thursday, the Center for Accountability and Transparency Liberia (CENTAL), has alleged a troubling pattern of corruption and nepotism in the first 100 days of President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
CENTAL, in its latest Report, highlighted stark discrepancies between President Boakai’s anti-corruption promises and his administration’s early actions, casting a shadow over the credibility and integrity of his leadership.
CENTAL, a prominent civil society organization that is committed to fostering transparency and good governance in Liberia, has documented series of what it described as ‘concerning appointments’ and actions that suggest the Boakai regime’s disregard for integrity and accountability.
The report identifies several controversial figures among Boakai’s key appointees.
CENTAL referenced S. Tornorlah Varpilah, newly appointed Chairman of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA), who previously faced a legislative mandate to return misappropriated public funds;
Daniel Johnson, appointed Secretary General of the Roberts Flight Information Region, now wanted by the United States for allegedly defrauding USAID of approximately US$1.9 million;
Nortu Jappah, the new President of the National Insurance Company of Liberia, who resigned from the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) in 2012 amid a corruption scandal.
Other questionable appointments include Patrick Sandike, now Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services at LWSC, who was previously dismissed for corruption; and Rudolph Merab, Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), previously implicated in illegal logging during Liberia’s civil war.
Additionally, Mohammed Maladho Bah, appointed Special Presidential Envoy for Investment, faces accusations of defrauding Liberians through his used car dealership.
The CENTAL report raises serious concerns about these appointments, suggesting they undermine the Boakai administration’s stated commitment to anti-corruption fight and transparent governance.
The revelations prompt a call for immediate scrutiny and reform to restore much-needed public trust and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in public service.
