MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-corruption Commission (LACC) has charged and forwarded to court several officials of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Services for financial improprieties and corruption.
LACC boss Edwin Kla Martin at a recent press conference disclosed that in March this year, the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission received reports of allegations of corruption at the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-information Services.
He disclosed that after a careful review and analysis of statements and documents obtained during the investigation, Wilmot Smith, Lawrence George, and Dominic Paye, respectively Deputy Director General for Information and coordination, Deputy Director General for Administration, and Controller of LISGIS; allegedly acted negligently in the recruitment of both Avianet and Bluku Services Limited for transportation and freight forwarding services to bring in 21,000 tablets and power banks and accessories to Liberia without adhering to the Public Procurement Laws of Liberia, as well as negligently failing to withhold taxes remit same to GOL revenue account in violation of controlling laws.
Cllr. Martin said Francis Wreh and Lawrence George in the discharge of their duties as Director General and Deputy Director General for Administration of LISGIS, having knowingly and willfully expended the amount of US$30,720.00 of public funds (intended for census-related activities) for the purchase of a second-hand generator without adhering to the PPCC Laws.
He disclosed that Mr. Francis F. Wreh, Mr. Lawrence George, and Mr. Dominic Paye, allegedly knowingly and willfully authorized the withdrawal and expending of the cumulative amount of US$70,000.00 of the Census fund (intended for census-related activities) and failed to fully account for some percentage of the said amount in violation of the laws.
The LACC boss said the three men allegedly willfully withdrew and expanded the amounts of US$4,700; US$1,500, and US$2,640 (US$8,840.00) out of the Census account and paid to themselves and other staff extra compensation for performing tasks for which they were hired to do by Law, and for which they are being duly paid through monthly salary payment by the Government of Liberia.
Cllr. Martin noted that Mr. Francis F. Wreh, Mr. Lawrence George, and Mr. Dominic Paye, Germue Gbawoquiya, Emmentry Kpoeh, allegedly knowingly and willfully also withdrew and expanded the total sum of US$4,250.00 out of the Census account for which they cannot justify and account for; and must therefore be charged and prosecuted under subchapter D of the Penal Code titled Theft and Related Offenses.
