-No Action Against Him Despite Mounting Evidence of Corruption
In recent months, President Joseph Boakai’s administration has demonstrated a strong stance against corruption by suspending high-ranking officials implicated in financial misconduct. However, the lack of action against Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah sends an awkward message.
It triggers much concern about the consistency of the government’s anti-corruption efforts, especially when Jallah continues to walk as a free man and publish servant, despite compelling evidence of mismanagement in the controversial MedTech Scientific contract.
The administration’s commitment to accountability appeared firm when President Boakai suspended Christopher D. Sankolo, Managing Director of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Agency (LACRA), and his deputy, Chea B. Garley, in June 2025 over allegations of diverting public funds through an unauthorized bank account.
Although it was later revealed that the account had board approval, the swift action signaled a zero-tolerance approach to procedural breaches.
Similarly, in March 2024, Stanley Ford, Director-General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), was suspended after US$6.2 million was deposited into the agency’s account without proper authorization.
These decisive moves were praised as evidence of the government’s determination to combat corruption. Yet, the same urgency has not been applied to the LRA, where a Senate investigation in September 2024 uncovered severe irregularities in the MedTech Scientific contract. The deal, signed in July 2021, allocated 80% of customs inspection revenues to MedTech Scientific, leaving only 20% for the government.
The procurement process lacked transparency, bypassed legal procedures, and failed to secure legislative approval. Most alarmingly, the government’s share of US$6.7 million from the contract remains unaccounted for, with evidence suggesting the funds were diverted for LRA operational expenses.
Despite these findings, no suspensions, audits, or public reprimands have been issued against Jallah or other implicated officials, leading to accusations of selective justice. Among other issues that undermine public trust are allegations of ethical breaches within the LRA’s leadership.
Reports indicate that Jallah compromised the independence of the internal audit function by appointing Zuah Williams, who allegedly acts more as a personal agent than an impartial auditor.
Williams’ assignment was arranged through questionable dealings with the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), creating a conflict of interest. Insiders say his disruptive behavior and overreach have fostered a toxic work environment, leaving employees disillusioned with Jallah’s commitment to integrity.
