MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) is facing controversy following allegations by its former Assistant Minister for Information Services, Matthew Nyanplu. Speaking on OK FM on Monday, November 25, 2024, Nyanplu accused Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah of engaging in questionable financial practices, including allegedly sharing cash among MICAT staff.
Nyanplu claimed that on five occasions, the Finance Department delivered money in envelopes to his office, allegedly at the minister’s instruction, stating, “Minister says he wants everybody to get something.” He also alleged that $100,000 reportedly allocated for a sovereign competition was distributed under unclear circumstances, raising concerns about financial mismanagement under Minister Piah’s leadership.
According to Nyanplu, these cash distributions coincided with major government events, such as the cabinet retreat and the launch of the sovereign competition. He questioned whether the funds were sourced from the competition budget or diverted from other allocations, suggesting these actions reflected a broader culture of financial irregularities at MICAT.
“Maybe it’s just about eating money in the office or eating money in the position and covering your tracks,” Nyanplu remarked, accusing Minister Piah of creating a domineering and unaccountable work environment.
Before his radio appearance, Nyanplu had taken to his Facebook page, urging senior officials within the Unity Party to replace Minister Piah to foster meaningful reform at MICAT. He stated that after six months of working with the minister, he concluded that Piah should be reassigned to a different role. Nyanplu clarified that his criticisms were not personal, writing, “Piah is a big brother with a good heart, but he’s a bad public servant.” He also called on Piah to resign, warning that his forthcoming revelations would leave the minister unable to continue as Liberia’s Information Minister.
In response, Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando issued a statement on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, rejecting Nyanplu’s allegations as baseless and damaging. Sando asserted that MICAT operates with transparency and integrity, despite severe financial constraints.
“It’s well-known that MICAT is one of the least supported entities by Liberia’s government,” Sando stated, emphasizing that the ministry struggles to secure funding for its communication programs and basic operations. Sando highlighted ongoing infrastructural issues, including a leaking roof, unreliable electricity, and inadequate office furniture, as evidence of MICAT’s financial struggles. He revealed that a $47,000 roofing project was funded through private-sector donations after a $187,000 request to the Ministry of Finance went unanswered.
“Where did we get the money to ‘share’ amongst ourselves?” Sando questioned, defending Minister Piah’s leadership amid these challenges.
Sando dismissed Nyanplu’s allegations as an attempt to tarnish the ministry’s reputation. He called on Nyanplu to provide evidence to support his claims, stating, “Matthew needs to move beyond vague statements and provide evidence to substantiate his claims. Anything less will be seen as the last gasp of a failing effort.”
The allegations have sparked debate about financial accountability and ethical leadership within MICAT. While Nyanplu’s accusations have cast a shadow over the ministry, Deputy Minister Sando’s rebuttal raises questions about their credibility.
Sando has called on Nyanplu to provide concrete evidence, emphasizing that baseless accusations harm public discourse. Meanwhile, calls for an independent investigation into the alleged financial improprieties are growing. As the Unity Party-led administration under President Joseph Boakai faces governance challenges, this controversy further tests public trust in its commitment to transparency and accountability.
