MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a bold and scathing resignation letter dated November 17, 2024, Matthew Nyanplu, Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), has stepped down from his role in President Joseph Boakai’s administration. This follows his indefinite suspension without pay, a decision he attributes to backlash over his public criticism of the government’s controversial $25 million agreement with NEKOTECH.
Nyanplu’s resignation letter, titled “Letter of Resignation from the Government,” highlights his frustration with what he perceives as a betrayal of public trust by senior government officials. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve but lamented the punitive measures taken against him for voicing dissent.
“I am very sad at your decision to suspend me indefinitely. I believe I have committed no wrong to necessitate this action against me,” he wrote. “I feel that I have been unjustly targeted by some powerful people in your inner circle because of my critical post on Facebook of November 15, 2024, denouncing the national disgrace brought upon our country by the Foreign Minister.”
At the heart of the controversy is a work-study loan program announced by Liberia’s Foreign Minister in collaboration with NEKOTECH, a foreign organization. The initiative promised 250 Liberians admission to U.S. graduate schools, STEM-related work opportunities, and a government-backed loan for preparatory fees. However, Nyanplu uncovered what he described as misleading and exploitative practices within the program, including a $236 fee imposed on participants despite claims that the government had secured funding.
“This initiative is charging money to Liberians when the Foreign Minister told the nation that the Government had secured this loan opportunity for them. It has turned out that the students will shoulder the loan obligations themselves, not the Government,” he stated.
Nyanplu’s investigation revealed that the program’s promises were misrepresented, noting that it conflated optional practical training (OPT) — a standard U.S. visa benefit for graduates — with an undefined “work-study” scheme. He criticized the Foreign Minister for misleading the public and accused NEKOTECH of exploiting vulnerable Liberians.
“The contradictions and misinformation in this program being promoted by your Foreign Minister bring serious disgrace to our country,” he asserted. “NEKOTECH’s so-called work-study program endangers the economic security of Liberians.”
Despite providing evidence to Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah and other senior officials, Nyanplu claimed his findings were ignored to protect reputational interests. His suspension, he believes, was a direct attempt to suppress his whistleblowing efforts under Liberia’s Whistleblower Protection Law.
“My decision to come out publicly to save Liberians from this extortion is in accordance with Section 5(1)(d) of the Whistleblower Protection Law, which protects public officials who disclose information when the health or safety of individuals is at risk,” he explained.
Nyanplu concluded his letter with a call for accountability and transparency, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Liberia’s welfare. “Public officials that err must own up to their errors and apologize to the country. This is what integrity is. They cannot cover up their actions and use power to suppress junior officials,” he wrote.
The NEKOTECH deal has drawn increasing scrutiny, with many questioning the government’s due diligence and the potential long-term impact on Liberia’s reputation. As Nyanplu exits the stage, his resignation raises pressing concerns about the Boakai administration’s handling of dissent and its commitment to ethical governance.
