MONROVIA – In a staggering exposé that has sent shockwaves through Liberia, an investigative journalist has uncovered a colossal financial scandal implicating the alleged theft of millions of United States dollars from the Liberian Government’s coffers, nestled within the Central Bank of Liberia.
The revelation unveils a web of deceit and corruption that thrived during the tenure of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, while Amara Mohamed Konneh, now Gbarpolu County Senator, held the pivotal position of Minister of Finance. The scandal unfolded against a backdrop of fiscal mismanagement, characterized by three consecutive budget shortfalls under Konneh’s stewardship.
The magnitude of the theft is staggering, with over US$20 million, alongside nearly a quarter of a billion Liberian dollars, pilfered from government accounts at the Central Bank. The perpetrators employed nefarious tactics, utilizing shell companies such as Red Truck Professional Parker, Sarosa, Duke Enterprise, Ake, Primag Inc, and Primay Inc, to siphon funds clandestinely. The audacity and scale of this alleged malfeasance raise profound questions about institutional oversight, particularly within the Central Bank of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance. Signatures and initials on checks and vouchers indicate potential complicity of individuals within the CBL, suggesting a systemic breakdown in governance and accountability.
Amara Konneh’s alleged neglect and glaring absence of oversight during his tenure as Minister of Finance over a two-year period is deeply concerning. Specific transactions unveiled during investigations paint a picture of brazen embezzlement, with exorbitant sums disbursed to entities without justification. It appears some of these shell companies may have been created and registered for this purpose; as some immediately shutdown after they received the monies.
This scandal casts a long shadow over Liberia’s new President, Joseph Boakai, who has pledged to root out corruption from the country’s corridors of power. Boakai’s commitment to transparency faces a formidable test, compounded by the association of Amara Konneh who is a ruling party steward. As President Boakai vows to hold corrupt officials accountable, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to witness decisive action against those responsible in this breaking story.
This revelation marks the first chapter in a series of exposes shedding light on the rot within Liberia’s financial institutions. The scandal underscores the urgent imperative for transparency and accountability, echoing the voices of citizens clamoring for an end to endemic corruption. Efforts to solicit comments from Senator Amara Konneh who was minister at the time, were met with evasion and stonewalling.
Despite multiple attempts to engage Senator Konneh, the former Finance Minister dodged inquiries, raising further suspicions. As investigations deepen, the public awaits with anticipation for justice to be served and for the truth behind this egregious betrayal of public trust to be fully unveiled. Watch out for details.
