MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has made a series of high-level appointments across government and relieved top officials implicated in misconduct. The actions underscore the administration’s commitment to accountability, service delivery, and the strengthening of Liberia’s institutions.
According to an Executive Mansion press release issued Saturday, November 16, 2025, the departure of Cllr. Deweh Gray, who was appointed Resident Representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to Togo, created a vacancy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To fill this critical role, President Boakai appointed Ambassador Ethel Davis as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. Additionally, Ms. Kadiatu Diarra Findley was named Ambassador-at-Large on the Policy Advisory Council, reinforcing Liberia’s diplomatic representation and strategic foreign policy engagement.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening Liberia’s presence in the international arena and ensuring that our diplomatic efforts are aligned with national interests,” the Executive Mansion statement noted.
Beyond the diplomatic corps, President Boakai has also targeted administrative and operational efficiency within key institutions. Mr. Varlee Sanor was appointed Deputy for Operations at the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), while Mr. Joseph Boye Cooper now serves as Deputy for Administration at the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE). At the Ministry of Labor, Mr. John O.F. Kangbah, Jr., has been named Inspector General of Labor, replacing Mr. Charles S. Brown.
“These strategic appointments are part of our broader effort to ensure that public offices are led by individuals committed to performance, accountability, and the rule of law,” President Boakai said.
In a related but more controversial development, the President relieved Mr. James A.S. Momo of his duties as Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS). The move follows findings from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which concluded that Mr. Momo engaged in multiple violations during his tenure. These included failure to comply with Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) regulations, extortion, abuse of office, criminal conspiracy, and facilitating improper activities in contract awarding.
Mr. Momo has been instructed to immediately surrender all government property under his control to the Acting Superintendent and to report to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution. Meanwhile, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) continues its investigation into the matter, with findings expected to guide additional actions.
President Boakai emphasized that the administration is determined to uphold integrity and responsible stewardship across Liberia’s public institutions. “Effective governance demands accountability at all levels, and we will continue to take necessary steps to ensure that public officials adhere to the highest standards of conduct,” he said.
The selection of Ambassador Ethel Davis and Ms. Kadiatu Diarra Findley for strategic diplomatic roles is also being viewed as a demonstration of Liberia’s intent to maintain robust regional and international partnerships, particularly with ECOWAS and other key global actors.
Similarly, the operational reforms at the LRRRC and BSE are expected to enhance the efficiency of these critical institutions, ensuring that public services, refugee repatriation programs, and state enterprise management meet higher standards of accountability.
The LACC’s findings against Mr. Momo underscore the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption in public office. By enforcing immediate action, including criminal referrals, President Boakai signals that misconduct will not be tolerated, regardless of rank or influence.
