MONROVIA, LIBERIA – “Some Liberians don’t want Liberia to succeed; so, they Connive and Conspire against true Patriots who Fight Against CORRUPTION,” wrote Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. His statement came in the wake of bold actions to address corruption within the institution, following a major investigation into the unauthorized removal and illegal sale of NPHIL vehicles.
In a press statement issued a day earlier, Dr. Nyan announced the dismissal of two employees and the suspension of several others implicated in the scandal. The investigation, carried out by a seven-member committee comprising representatives from the Liberia National Police, the Internal Audit Agency, senior staff, and NPHIL’s management team, revealed that 11 vehicles had been unlawfully removed from NPHIL premises and sold.
Among those dismissed were George Watson, Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for Administration, and Pewee Quaqua, Director of Logistics. Darlington Bah, Deputy Director for Logistics, was suspended indefinitely, while three drivers—Alexander Jisay, Jerome Ponney, and Kennedy Gayflor—were each suspended for three months without pay.
The investigation also implicated Dr. Adams K. Lincoln, Deputy Director General for Administration, as the alleged mastermind of the scheme. Dr. Lincoln is accused of creating fraudulent General Services Agency (GSA) documents to claim personal ownership of one of the vehicles. The committee has recommended his dismissal to President Joseph Boakai.
“Corruption will have no place at the NPHIL under my watch, as this may undermine the progress we are making here,” Dr. Nyan stated, reaffirming his commitment to institutional integrity. He called on the NPHIL Board of Directors and the Ministry of Justice to back his efforts in rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within the agency.
The terminated employees have been referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution and restitution of the stolen government properties.
Dr. Nyan’s strong stance underlines his dedication to protecting public resources and advancing the country’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. “We will strive to maintain the integrity and standards of the NPHIL,” he said, adding that his leadership remains committed to stamping out corruption wherever it arises.
