Press Statement for Immediate Release

CENTAL Wants Greater Political Will from President Boakai in the Fight Against Corruption, Calls Full Implementation of Recommendations in Ombudsman Corruption Allegation Probe

Monrovia, Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, lately, there have been various allegations of corruption involving individuals and institutions at the core of Liberia’s anti-corruption and good governance efforts. These developments are highly concerning, especially so that the persons involved play key roles in the country’s anti-corruption efforts and the management of critical institutions of government.

• Investigative Report into Allegation of Corruption and Violation of the Code of Conduct by Cllr. Finely Y. Karngar, then Chairman of the Ombudsman

Recently, based on a publicly-available detailed investigation conducted that recommended his dismissal and criminal investigation, Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar, Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman reportedly engaged in acts of corruption by soliciting 30-35 USD worth of scratch cards and 50 percent (500 USD) of his Special Assistant, Francis K. D. Cooper’s salary for the period of four months (April to July 2025), which amounted to Two Thousand United States Dollars (US$2,000). The Ombudsman is the primary institution responsible to promote ethical behaviors/conducts in government as well as enforce overall compliance with the amended 2022 National Code of Conduct for Public Officials. It is worth noting that this is the second major allegation of corruption involving Cllr. Karngar, who reports emerged in late 2025 that he was allegedly involved with the receipt of kickbacks from the owner of the rented property the Ombudsman occupies. These alleged acts, couple with reports of non-cooperation and undermining of the latest investigation, contravene the very Code of Code he was appointed and mandated to enforce, by ensuring that public officials and others who occupy key positions in government are ethical and exhibit integrity in their dealings.

Notably, few days following the release of the investigative report, Cllr. Karngar resigned as chairperson of the Office of Ombudsman. In a press release dated March 10, 2026, President Boakai accepted the resignation and appreciated Cllr. Karngar for his “dedication and commitment to public service; his contributions to the work of the Office of the Ombudsman in promoting ethical standards in public service; and wished him well in his future endeavours”.

However, the president’s office failed to acknowledge the findings and recommendations of the investigative report that accused, with evidence, Chairman Cllr. Karngar of extorting 2,130 USD from his special assistant for payments to various persons of his interest.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, given the coincidence of the release of the investigative report and the resignation of Cllr. Karngar from government, it can be reasonably inferred that the latest allegation of corruption played a significant part, if not entirely responsible for the decision.  This is a win for the fight against corruption and efforts to mainstream accountability and integrity in public service. However, we disagree with the decision of the president to merely accept his resignation, without acknowledging the courageous decision of the investigative team and the affected employee who reported the matter, following his illegal dismissal by the Chairman.  To send a stronger message of relative political will and commitment to a robust fight against corruption, we strongly believe that President Boakai should have referenced the investigative report, hailed the producers, as well as dismissed Cllr. Karngar, instead of allowing him to voluntarily resign.

CENTAL holds the view that when an individual bearing public trust to lead efforts to enforce the code of conduct for public officials is himself accused of breaching the very code he is charged to enforce, it has the proclivity to undermine efforts to tackle corruption and reduce public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.  Therefore, we are extremely disappointed in Cllr. Karngar’s alleged action and the president’s stance on the matter, which constitutes an attempt to somehow turn a blind eye on the gravity of the allegations levied and investigated. We call for full and timely implementation of the investigative report, which recommended dismissal and other sanctions, including restitution and criminal investigation and possible prosecution. We call on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to take siege of the matter, conduct a full-scale investigation, and update the public on the status of said investigation as well as any subsequent actions to hold the accused full accountable.

• Corruption Allegation Involving Mr. Ernest Hughes, former Vice Chairperson of LACC and now Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, recent reports also had it that Mr. Ernest Hughes, Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) and former executive vice chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) stands accused of soliciting 15 percent kick-backs from a Canadian Aviation Navigation Contractor as a condition to approve about USD 1 Million payment for services at the Robert International Airport (RIA). According to media reports, the Board of Directors of LAA reviewed the allegation and decided to suspend Mr. Hughes as well as forward him to the Ministry of Justice for investigation. However, prior to implementation of the Board’s decision, Mr. Hughes requested for a leave of absence, stating that his decision was intended to “allow the investigation to proceed without any perception of interference and reaffirming his willingness to fully cooperate with the process”.

In a response, the Executive Mansion accepted the request for leave of absence and instructed the Ministry of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation into the matter, before march 30, 2026. Whilst we await the outcome of the investigation being conducted by the Ministry of Justice, we take keen note of the difference in trends by the executive mansion in the handling of corruption allegations. We note with reservations that the president seems to be picking and choosing in dealing with allegations of corruption by immediately suspending and forwarding some accused persons for investigation, while merely pressuring others to resign and hailing them for their services, without any form of investigation and prosecution. This is concerning, for it presents an indication of limited political will to decisively deal with all corruption allegations, no matter who is involved. We recognize the fact the all corruption cases may not be of the same gravity and magnitude. However, when a board reviews a matter and deems an allegation to be weighty, such as in the case of Mr. Hughes, the accused should be suspended by the appointing authority and not be allowed to voluntarily request for a leave of absence, especially the former vice chairperson of the anti-corruption commission involved herein. Allegedly soliciting a 15 percent bribe to approve a 1 Million USD Payment to a contractor is so grave of an allegation for the president not to have suspended the accused, especially following some inquiry by the Board and a request for a detailed investigation by the Ministry of Justice.

Hence, we call on the government of Liberia and President Joseph N. Boakai to adopt a uniform approach in dealing with allegations of corruption and other malpractices. This goes to say, actions taken against individuals accused of corruption, including suspension and or dismissal, should be replicated and applicable to all and sundry, especially where the evidence and circumstances so dictate, in the cases of Cllr. Karngar and Mr. Hughes who occupied strategic positions and played in the country’s anti-corruption and accountability efforts.  

In conclusion, CENTAL reiterates its commitment to the fight against corruption and supports national government’s efforts in satisfactorily dealing with corruption and other related offenses in the country. We admonish all public officials, especially those who are serving or once served in integrity institutions to set very high standards and lead by example in all of their dealings, to avoid undermining public confidence in the work of integrity institutions. Also, we call on the president to be more robust in handling corruption and other related matters, ensuring that persons accused are not treated differently, especially where the nature and circumstances require similar actions, including, but not limited to dismissal, suspension, prosecution, and other lawful decisive efforts. 

Thank you.

Signed:

Anderson Miamen,

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