-For Corruption
By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on graft, securing indictments against officials in Bomi County and senior administrators at Lofa County University following extensive probes into corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of public resources.
At the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel Sando confirmed that the 16th Judicial Circuit Court had returned a true bill of indictment against multiple Bomi County figures. The charges center on the misuse of county development equipment—commonly known as “yellow machines”—with arrest warrants issued for several individuals, including former Fiscal Superintendent Anthony Yoko.
“These indictments follow thorough LACC investigations that uncovered systemic corruption, abuse of public resources, and mismanagement of machinery meant for county development,” Sando stated. “This reaffirms the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.”
In a parallel case, the LACC also indicted high-ranking officials at Lofa County University, among them President Dr. Isaac P. Podah, former President Dr. Steven K. Ngamai, Vice President for Administration Mr. Catakaw, and former Board Chair Victor Padmore. They face charges including economic sabotage, criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, theft of property, and conflict of interest.
Investigators revealed that more than US$410,000 and L$13.3 million belonging to the university were misappropriated—including US$300,000 allocated for a retreat that never occurred.
Amid these legal actions, Sando highlighted broader governmental progress, announcing a newly signed memorandum of understanding between Liberia and Turkey to enhance trade and investment. The Turkey-Liberia Business Council will facilitate collaboration in mining, agriculture, energy, finance, and technology.
“This partnership aims to expand trade, spur investment, and promote knowledge transfer,” Sando said.
