President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has suspended Mr. James A.S. Momoh, Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), with immediate effect and without pay, following alarming reports of alleged administrative and financial improprieties under his leadership.
The Executive Mansion issued a statement Tuesday morning detailing the allegations, which include:
The unauthorized procurement of 6,500 desks and chairs at a cost of USD $357,500; Alleged kickback schemes involving MCSS personnel, reportedly uncovered in a Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) report; A controversial USD $451,150.60 contract for laboratory supplies and services, signed on July 11, 2024, which appears to have bypassed official procurement processes.
According to the Executive Mansion, the cumulative allegations “indicate a disturbing pattern of mismanagement and potential corruption” during Mr. Momoh’s tenure at the head of the nation’s largest public school system.
“In line with the Government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and the rule of law under the ARREST Agenda,” the statement said, “the President has directed the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and all relevant government entities to conduct a full and impartial investigation.”
Mr. Momoh has been ordered to immediately relinquish all MCSS property and official documents in his possession to Mr. John-Charuk Siafa, Chairperson of the MCSS Board. He is also expected to fully cooperate with the LACC during the course of the investigation.
The Boakai administration has repeatedly pledged to strengthen public integrity systems and crack down on corruption across all sectors. Today’s action is being seen as a major test of that resolve.
“The Government of Liberia remains resolute in protecting the integrity of public institutions and ensuring that those entrusted with public service are held to the highest standards of accountability and ethical conduct,” the release concluded.
The MCSS is responsible for managing public schools in Monrovia and its environs. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications not only for the system’s leadership but also for broader public trust in the nation’s educational governance.
