On November 27, 2024, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) urged President Joseph Boakai to dismiss two key officials implicated in corruption allegations: Abdullai Kamara, the Acting Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and Dorr Cooper, the Inspector General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. At a press conference held at CENTAL’s headquarters in Monrovia, Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen highlighted the urgent need for the President to take decisive actions against these officials, citing their alleged involvement in corruption and misuse of power. CENTAL’s call for these dismissals is framed as an essential step in reinforcing the nation’s commitment to combating corruption, which has plagued public institutions in Liberia.
Miamen referenced a damning audit conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC), which found that Kamara had previously violated the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Law while serving as CEO of TAMMA Corporation. This audit uncovered substantial unauthorized payments totaling LRD262,844,500 and US$450,000 made to TAMMA Corporation and 231 Data Incorporated. Despite the severity of these findings, CENTAL expressed disappointment with the lack of any public investigation or administrative actions taken against Kamara. Miamen emphasized the importance of accountability, questioning how Kamara could still hold a significant position within the LTA while facing such serious allegations.
The situation surrounding Dorr Cooper has also raised eyebrows, particularly regarding his attempt to obtain a degree from the University of Liberia without proper academic credentials. He reportedly dressed in graduation regalia but was not recognized as a graduate due to incomplete courses. An investigation led to a finding of fraud against him, prompting university officials to recommend prosecution. However, Cooper has not faced any repercussions from the government, leading Miamen to wonder about the President’s commitment to addressing corruption among his officials, even as he took swift action to suspend former members of the LTA board earlier in the year for similar issues.
CENTAL’s call for accountability is rooted in the belief that the President’s failure to act against these officials undermines his anti-corruption efforts and sends a troubling message about the endurance of corrupt practices within government institutions. Miamen criticized perceived inconsistencies in the President’s approach, suggesting that his selective actions might erode public trust and illustrate a lack of genuine commitment to eradicating corruption. He emphasized the need for a coherent and robust anti-corruption strategy that includes stringent consequences for officials who defy ethical standards and engage in corrupt behavior.
Furthermore, Miamen addressed the wider issue of transparency, specifically the concerning trend of over 70% of officials appointed by President Boakai not declaring their assets, incomes, and liabilities as required by the amended 2022 Code of Conduct. This non-compliance poses significant risks to the integrity of governance in Liberia and points to a disturbing culture of disregard for laws that underpin accountability and good governance. Miamen underscored President Boakai’s responsibility to enforce compliance and reinforce the importance of these legal frameworks to foster transparency.
In conclusion, CENTAL’s advocacy stresses the collective role of civil society, the media, and citizens in holding public officials accountable. Miamen called for heightened engagement from these stakeholders to demand accountability from policymakers and actively denounce corruption. It is imperative that the government not only takes immediate action in these individual cases but also fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity that can resonate throughout public service. With persistent pressure and a united front, Liberia can work towards dismantling the systemic issues rooted in corruption while reinforcing the foundations of effective governance.
