The Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) exists to shield Liberians from unsafe medicines. When an agency charged with safeguarding public health appears to be mired in questions about accountability, governance, and the handling of public funds, the public’s trust—and their safety—are at stake.
This newspaper has reviewed internal documents that suggest a troubling pattern of expenditures and decisions at LMHRA. Notably, a US$58,500 payment to an individual linked to a lease arrangement, combined with a sequence of large outlays for outsourcing core responsibilities such as pharmaceutical waste management, raises fundamental questions about governance, procurement, and the appropriate allocation of scarce public resources. Even more alarming is the claim that the agency’s primary quality control laboratory—an essential line of defense against substandard or dangerous medicines—has become non-functional due to shortages of reagents, consumables, and calibrated equipment. If true, this is not merely a financial concern; it is a direct threat to public health.
The apparent conflicts of interest within LMHRA’s leadership—before and during transitions in the top posts—merit rigorous, independent examination. When the Managing Director previously chaired the Board, and a key finance appointment followed a candidate who had previously been rejected, questions about checks and balances are natural and necessary. An audit should be conducted by an entity with real independence, free from day-to-day operational engagements, to restore credibility and ensure compliance with procurement and accounting standards.
Accountability is not an obstacle to progress; it is a prerequisite for it. If an agency cannot demonstrate that it follows clear rules, maintains transparent records, and subjects itself to scrutiny, confidence in its regulatory decisions erodes. Outsourcing of core responsibilities—especially those tied to a laboratory that screens medicines entering the market—should be subject to rigorous cost-benefit analysis, transparent contracting, and stringent oversight. Any MOUs or privatization proposals that could compromise the integrity or revenue streams of the LMHRA must be made public and subjected to independent review.
The human and public-health consequences of mismanagement extend beyond budgets. Inoperable equipment, missing reference standards, and calibration gaps threaten the very quality assurances that Liberians rely on when they seek medicines for everyday illnesses and life-threatening conditions. The public has a right to expect that every bottle, tablet, and vial has been tested and validated before it reaches pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals.
We commend the decision to engage an audit and to invite scrutiny from credible bodies that can operate with the independence needed to uncover the truth and recommend reforms. It is essential that the audit be conducted by an entity with unambiguous reporting lines, free from related-party influence, and with full access to all records, including procurement documents, lease agreements, and laboratory inventories. Findings must be shared publicly, with clear timelines for remedial actions and accountability for those responsible for any missteps.
To LMHRA’s leadership: acknowledge the concerns, cooperate with independent investigators, and implement reforms that restore transparency, strengthen internal controls, and reaffirm the agency’s commitment to protecting public health. Public trust is earned through openness, not glossed over by spin or selective disclosures.
To policymakers and the public: demand accountability without delay. Support robust, independent audits; insist on transparent procurement processes; and insist that the laboratory—our frontline defense—receives the funding, equipment, calibration, and materials it requires to function as intended. The health and safety of Liberians depend on it.
In the pursuit of truth, this newsroom remains committed to reporting the facts, safeguarding sources, and presenting clear intelligence on LMHRA’s governance. We will continue to follow the audit process and publish updates that illuminate the path toward accountable leadership and, crucially, safe medicines for all Liberians.
