MONROVIA – In a recent move that has sparked controversy, President Joseph Boakai appointed Madam Mary Karnga Dahn as the Government of Liberia’s representative on the Board of ArcelorMittal Liberia. Dahn, who resides in the United States and is married to Peter Dahn, is the older sister of Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence. This appointment has raised eyebrows and concerns over nepotism and the influence of political connections in government appointments.
Madam Dahn is the latest in a series of family members and close associates of Senator Karnga Lawrence to receive prominent government positions. Senator Lawrence’s brother, Abba G. Karnga Jr., was appointed Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Education. Other individuals reportedly appointed through her influence include Julia K. Bono as Grand Bassa Superintendent and George Gaybueh as the Mayor of Buchanan City. Additionally, former senator Jonathan Lambort Kaipay was appointed Director of Buchanan Port, while Paul Y. Piah took on the role of Grand Bassa Fiscal Superintendent. Senator Lawrence’s influence extends deeply into local leadership appointments within Grand Bassa County, affecting the positions of commissioners and statutory superintendents. Her County Coordinator, G. Isaac Gayne, is involved in the county’s Scrap Committee.
This pattern of appointments has not gone unnoticed. In June, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) released a 100-day assessment report criticizing the Boakai administration for nepotism. The report highlighted several key appointments under scrutiny, including Jacob T. Kabakole, the President’s influential nephew, who was appointed Chairman of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA). Sirleaf Tyler, the brother of Senator Alex J. Tyler, was named Minister of Transport. Nancy Moye, the wife of Senator Prince Moye, was appointed to the board of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC). Additionally, Daybah E. Johnson, the daughter of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, became Assistant Minister for Regional Labor Affairs.
The CENTAL report also noted that Senator Darbah Varpilah’s husband, S. Tornolar Varpilah, was appointed Chairman of the LMA Board, while her children, Nee-Alah T. Varpilah and Feetor Varpilah, were appointed Director-General of the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) and Deputy Director General of NICOL, respectively. Her brother-in-law, Gallah Varpilah, was appointed City Mayor of Gbarnga.
These appointments have intensified the debate over the influence of political connections in Liberian government positions. Critics argue that such practices undermine meritocracy and can lead to inefficiencies and corruption within the government. As the Boakai administration continues to face scrutiny, calls for transparency and accountability in government appointments grow louder.
