–Amid Procedural Breach
By Vaye A. Lepolu
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has urged President Joseph N. Boakai to reconsider his recent appointments to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), citing significant procedural violations. Of the five newly appointed members to the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel (CARP), only one participated in the competitive recruitment process mandated by law.
Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of CENTAL, emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability within Liberia’s governance framework. He noted that CENTAL has consistently supported initiatives aimed at strengthening public integrity institutions and combating corruption. These initiatives include timely actions on audit findings from the General Auditing Commission, increased budgetary allocations for integrity bodies, the enactment of anti-corruption legislation, and adherence to competitive recruitment practices for public integrity roles.
Miamen expressed concern regarding the appointments made by President Boakai on August 29, 2024, which included Cllr. Sundaway E. Nelson Amagashie, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, Mr. Ezekiel F. Nyumah, and Mr. Michael C.G. George. He pointed out that the Amended and Restated Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of 2010 explicitly requires that appointments to such positions arise from a competitive selection process overseen by the PPCC. The law stipulates that a list of ten qualified candidates—three lawyers and two non-lawyers—should be submitted to the President for consideration.
Miamen explained that the law also allows the President to request additional candidates if he finds the initial pool insufficient. However, he stressed that the process is designed to ensure that appointees possess the necessary qualifications and integrity.
In March 2024, the PPCC notified the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs about a vacancy on the CARP due to the expiration of the previous members’ terms and initiated the recruitment process. A public call for expressions of interest was published for one month across various platforms, including the PPCC website, the Executive Mansion website, and prominent newspapers such as Frontpage Africa and Daily Observer.
According to Miamen, eighty-four applications were received for the five positions. For further transparency, the PPCC invited four institutions to participate in the evaluation process, with three— the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), and CENTAL—agreeing to join the evaluation committee. The committee identified thirty-seven qualified candidates who took an aptitude test, leading to twenty-two candidates—three lawyers and nineteen non-lawyers—advancing to the interview stage. Ultimately, the panel recommended ten candidates for the President’s consideration, along with their scores for transparency.
Miamen expressed shock at the President’s decision to bypass the established competitive recruitment process. He noted that while Mr. Ezekiel Nyumah was one of the ten recommended candidates, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, and Mr. Michael C.G. George did not participate in the recruitment process at all. Furthermore, although Cllr. Sundaway E. Nelson Amagashie took part in the testing phase, she was unavailable for the interviews and was consequently not recommended for appointment. Miamen asserted that the President’s actions violate the Public Procurement and Concessions Act and undermine the integrity of the recruitment process.
CENTAL’s leadership contends that this disregard for established procedures not only erodes public trust in integrity institutions but also diminishes the efforts of candidates who invested time and resources in the recruitment process. The announcement of the vacancy on the Executive Mansion’s official website suggested a commitment to transparency that has now been compromised.
In light of these developments, CENTAL has made several recommendations regarding the PPCC’s procedures. The organization calls on President Boakai to revoke the appointments of individuals who were not independently vetted and recommended by the panel, in accordance with the provisions of the amended PPCC Act of 2010.
Miamen emphasized that such action would reaffirm the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption. He urged the President to respect the independence of public integrity institutions and to avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in their leadership.
Ultimately, CENTAL asserts that the decisions made by the President and other public officials should bolster efforts toward integrity, transparency, and accountability in Liberia. A genuine commitment to the rule of law and anti-corruption must be reflected in actions that instill confidence among Liberians and development partners alike.
