MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has sharply criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for what it describes as a “soft response” to serious corruption findings at the Office of the Ombudsman, calling for stronger political will and full implementation of recommendations contained in a damning investigative report.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at CENTAL’s headquarters in Sinkor, the organization’s Executive Director, Anderson D. Miamen, raised alarm over troubling allegations involving key figures in Liberia’s governance and accountability institutions.
“There have been various allegations of corruption involving individuals and institutions at the core of Liberia’s anti-corruption and good governance efforts,” Miamen told journalists. “These developments are highly concerning, especially since the persons involved play key roles in managing critical institutions of government.”
At the center of the controversy is a recent investigative report implicating former Ombudsman Chairperson Finley Y. Karngar in acts of corruption and violations of the Code of Conduct. According to the report, Karngar allegedly solicited between US$30 and US$35 worth of scratch cards and demanded 50 percent of his Special Assistant’s salary over a four-month period, totaling approximately US$2,000.
The Ombudsman’s office, which is tasked with promoting ethical conduct and enforcing the National Code of Conduct for public officials, now finds itself under intense scrutiny. Miamen noted that the allegations strike at the very heart of institutional integrity. “When an individual entrusted to enforce ethical standards is himself accused of breaching those standards, it undermines public confidence and weakens the fight against corruption,” he asserted.
The report also highlighted that this is not the first time Karngar has faced allegations, referencing a previous controversy in late 2025 involving alleged kickbacks linked to the rental property used by the Ombudsman’s office. CENTAL believes the pattern of accusations raises serious concerns about accountability and leadership within the institution.
Following the release of the investigative findings, Karngar resigned from his position. President Boakai, in a March 10, 2026 statement, accepted the resignation and praised Karngar for his service and contributions to public sector ethics. However, CENTAL says this response reflects a troubling lack of urgency and accountability.
“We disagree with the decision of the President to merely accept his resignation without acknowledging the findings of the investigative report,” Miamen said. “To send a stronger message, the President should have referenced the report, commended the investigators, and dismissed Cllr. Karngar instead of allowing him to resign.”
Miamen further argued that the timing of the resignation, coming shortly after the release of the report, strongly suggests that the corruption allegations played a decisive role. While he described the resignation as “a win for accountability,” he emphasized that it falls short of demonstrating firm political commitment to tackling corruption.
CENTAL is now calling for the full implementation of the report’s recommendations, which include dismissal, restitution, and potential criminal prosecution. The organization also urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to take over the matter and conduct a comprehensive investigation.
“We call on the LACC to take seize of the matter, conduct a full-scale investigation, and update the public on the status and any subsequent actions,” Miamen stated, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in handling the case.
