Several ex-officials recommended for prosecution – Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news

Liberia’s Finance Ministry has requested the prosecution of the officials because they have carried out acts that have undermined public trust in the ministry’s provision of services.

Monrovia, June 21, 2024: The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has requested the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to prosecute several former officials associated with the purchase and payment of US$145,000.00 to Duke CARMAX, Inc., for two 32-seat buses.

In the letter dated 19 June 2024 and addressed to LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Liberia’s Finance Minister Mr. Boima S. Kamara explained that the gravity of these violations has caused significant harm to the Ministry.

Minister Kamara named the former officials involved as Ms. Rebecca Y. McGill, former Deputy Finance Minister for Administration; Ms. Patience Kollie-Lawson, former Assistant Minister for Administration; Mr. Eric B. Arkol, former MFDP Director of Procurement; and Mr. Alhaji S.M. Dukuly, former Comptroller, MFDP.

The communication added that the violations carried out by these former officials have also undermined public trust in the provision of services by the Ministry.

“I am writing to formally submit a request for the prosecution of certain individuals associated with the purchase and payment of US$145,000.00 to Duke CARMAX, Inc. for two (2) 32-seat buses,” Minister Kamara wrote the LACC.

After a thorough investigation conducted by the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) of the MFDP, Minister Kamara said they had gathered substantial evidence implicating the accused.

He said the former officials are implicated in serious legal violations, including but not limited to the full payment of US$145,000.00 to the Vendor for purchasing and delivering two 32-seated Buses, which were never delivered.

“Enclosed with this letter, you will find comprehensive documentation supporting our request,” said Minister Kamara.

Accompanying the letter is a detailed investigative report outlining the findings, copies of relevant contracts, correspondence, and other pertinent documents.

“The gravity of these violations has not only caused significant harm to the Ministry but also undermined public trust in the provision of services by the Ministry,” Minister Kamara noted.

He suggested that pursuing legal action against these individuals is crucial for upholding justice and deterring similar misconduct in the future.

Minister Kamara expressed confidence that the evidence provided will meet the requisite legal standards for prosecution and MFDP is willing to cooperate fully with the LACC throughout the judicial process.

“Should you require further information or wish to discuss this matter in detail, please do not hesitate to contact me directly,” he told the LACC.