MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Contractors working under the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority (LSEZA) have voiced strong concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of accountability within the agency, calling on social justice advocate Martin Kollie to intervene. The workers, many of whom were employed on six-month contracts that expired on December 31, 2024, have not been paid since November of the same year, despite completing their contractual duties.
In a letter addressed to Kollie on February 25, 2025, the contractors described a troubling pattern of mismanagement and unethical conduct at LSEZA. The letter a picture of an institution in financial turmoil. The workers express frustration over unfulfilled promises of payment from Executive Chairman Prince Anything Wreh, who allegedly assured them on multiple occasions that salaries would be disbursed. However, these assurances have not materialized into actual payments.
The contractors also expressed their concerns about the absence of full-time staff at LSEZA, an institution that operates with a skeleton crew. They noted that the Board, established by President George Weah in August 2024, has not received any salaries or sitting fees, which further underscores the financial instability of the agency. According to the contractors, approximately $800,000 has been misappropriated over several months, while 95% of the vendors associated with LSEZA have yet to receive payments for services rendered.
In addition to financial irregularities, the contractors highlighted troubling ethical and legal issues. They claim that certain individuals, including those living abroad or already employed by other government agencies, continue to receive salaries from LSEZA. This practice raises serious questions about the legitimacy of such payments. Furthermore, the contractors have pointed out discrepancies with the management of National Social Security contributions (NASSCORP), alleging that salary deductions have been made without the issuance of National Social Security Identification cards, leaving workers unsure whether these contributions were properly remitted.
Another critical issue raised by the contractors concerns the politicization of hiring practices at LSEZA. The workers assert that approximately 65% of the contractors are from Margibi County, a region closely tied to Executive Chairman Wreh’s political ambitions. They argue that hiring decisions are being made based on political loyalty rather than merit, leading to a lack of fairness and transparency in employment practices. The contractors are calling for a more inclusive and equitable hiring process that better represents the diverse needs of Liberia’s population.
In their letter, the contractors are urging Martin Kollie to use his platform to draw attention to their situation, demanding immediate payment of all outstanding salaries and a thorough review of LSEZA’s financial practices. They emphasized that their appeal is not only for financial justice but also for the restoration of integrity and good governance within the institution.
“We believe in fairness, accountability, and good governance,” the letter concludes. “We hope that with your support, corrective actions will be taken to ensure justice for all affected workers.”
The contractors’ calls for action have cast a spotlight on the leadership of LSEZA and raised broader concerns about governance in Liberia. The issues of corruption, lack of transparency, and political favoritism in public institutions remain persistent challenges, undermining the integrity of government agencies and eroding public trust. (SOURCE: VERITY NEWS)
