By: Samuel B. Johnson
Monrovia, Liberia-The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has intensified its call for stronger political will from President Joseph N. Boakai, urging firm and consistent action amid rising corruption allegations involving senior public officials.
Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, CENTAL voiced serious concern over recent cases implicating high-ranking figures within Liberia’s integrity institutions—agencies established to uphold accountability and combat corruption.
At the heart of the controversy is former Ombudsman Chairperson Finley Y. Karngar, who resigned following a damning investigative report. The report accuses Karngar of extorting more than US$2,000 from a subordinate, including allegedly demanding a share of his assistant’s salary and additional payments in scratch cards.
The Office of the Ombudsman—mandated to enforce ethical standards in government—now finds itself under intense scrutiny, raising broader concerns about institutional credibility.
Although President Boakai accepted Karngar’s resignation and commended his service, CENTAL described the response as inadequate. The organization argued that the President failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the findings or recognize the investigative efforts that uncovered the alleged misconduct.
“Allowing resignation without full accountability risks undermining public trust,” CENTAL stated, calling instead for dismissal, restitution, and criminal prosecution in line with the report’s recommendations.
CENTAL further urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to initiate a comprehensive investigation and ensure transparency throughout any legal proceedings.
New Allegations at Liberia Airport Authority
In a separate development, Ernest Hughes, Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority and former Vice Chair of the LACC, is facing allegations of soliciting a 15% kickback connected to a US$1 million aviation contract at Roberts International Airport.
While the LAA Board reportedly recommended his suspension and investigation, Hughes instead requested a leave of absence, which was granted by the Executive Mansion. The Ministry of Justice has since been tasked with investigating the matter.
CENTAL questioned what it described as inconsistent responses by the government, noting that similar allegations appear to be handled differently depending on the individuals involved.
The organization warned that selective enforcement of anti-corruption measures could signal weak political commitment and further erode public confidence in governance.
“The fight against corruption must be uniform and impartial,” CENTAL emphasized, calling for equal application of disciplinary actions—whether suspension, dismissal, or prosecution—based on the severity of each case.
CENTAL also urged public officials, particularly those within integrity institutions, to lead by example. It called on President Boakai to adopt a more decisive and consistent stance in addressing corruption.
As Liberia continues efforts to strengthen governance, these high-profile cases are shaping up to be a critical test of the administration’s commitment to integrity and the rule of law.
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