In an unprecedented move, President Boakai has wielded the axe, suspending a host of high-ranking government officials for failing to declare their assets as required by law. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) had flagged these officials for non-compliance, and instead of sweeping the issue under the rug, the president took decisive action.
Among those caught in the storm are:
Eugene Fahngon – Director General, Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS)
Dr. Jarso Jallah – Minister of Education
Dr. Louise Kpoto – Minister of Health
Mohamed Maladho Bah – Presidential Special Envoy on Investment
Christopher Hages Onanuga – Ambassador-At-Large for Tourism
Loretta Pope Kai – Board Member, FDA
Alphonso Belleh – Deputy Director for Administration, NIR
Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh – Acting President, University of Liberia
Sheikh Al-Mustapha Kouyateh – Ambassador-At-Large for Presidential Affairs
William K. Toe – Assistant Minister for Administration, Ministry of Information
John Fello – Board Member, Liberia Aviation Authority
Cllr. Gloria Musu-Scott – Acting Board Chair, NOCAL
Lewis Brown – Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Edward Appleton – Ambassador-Designate
This isn’t just a routine disciplinary measure—it’s a statement. Asset declaration is a fundamental pillar of transparency, designed to ensure public servants aren’t using their positions for illicit personal gain. Yet, even with repeated reminders, these officials failed to comply. Boakai’s response? A firm “enough is enough.”
The administration has made it clear that there will be no reinstatement until these officials meet the legal requirement. The LACC has also hinted that if they don’t comply soon, further disciplinary measures—including outright dismissals—could be on the horizon.
For a country long plagued by corruption and impunity, this moment feels different. Boakai is signaling that accountability is non-negotiable, no matter how high up the ladder an official stands. Will this set a new standard for governance in Liberia? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—business as usual is no longer an option.
