By Amos J. Massaquoi
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is entangled in a scandal as its Executive Director, Hon. Ansu V. S. Dulleh, faces serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Sources within the NDMA allege that Mr. Tugbe Chie Tugbe, the Technical Advisor to Dulleh, has been coaching him on how to misuse government funds for personal gain. If no action is taken, these sources warn, Dulleh’s actions could cause significant damage to the agency and undermine its support from international and national partners who assist disaster victims in Liberia.
Mr. Tugbe, who previously served as the Deputy Director for Administration at the National Housing Authority (NHA), was dismissed by former President Weah during the CDC administration for embezzling funds from the NHA. Now, Tugbe is allegedly using his influence to guide Dulleh in misappropriating funds meant for disaster relief.
Under Dulleh’s leadership, internal conflicts have intensified. He has reportedly restricted Deputy Executive Director for Administration Hon. Konto Saygar and Deputy Executive Director for Operations Hon. Louis K. D. Morris, sanctioning all national and international communications and invitations directed to his office. Dulleh justified these sanctions by stating that the act creating the agency did not assign specific functions or roles to the DEDA and DEDO positions.
This power struggle has persisted for months, causing significant distractions for Departmental Directors and Assistant Directors within the agency. Sources allege that Dulleh has cut off weekly managers and senior staff meetings due to the internal conflict and his interpretation of the agency’s founding act. The agency, which plays a crucial role during Liberia’s flood season, has been divided into factions under Dulleh’s leadership, hindering its productivity and effectiveness.
Moreover, allegations have surfaced that Dulleh misused USD $100,000 allocated to the agency for pre-positioning items for flood, fire, sea erosion, windstorm, conflict, and other hazards. It is claimed that he used USD $30,000 of this amount to purchase 100 acres of land in Toedee. Furthermore, it is alleged that Dulleh misappropriated LD $1,000,000 provided by the Vice President of Liberia to aid victims and families affected by a mine landslide in River Cess. Instead of using the funds for school fees and hospital bills, it is alleged that Dulleh used the money for his Ramada celebration.
These allegations have prompted calls for President Joseph Boakai and the Board Chairman of the NDMA to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Given the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and resolving internal conflicts, there is growing pressure for a thorough investigation to maintain the agency’s integrity and ensure it continues to serve disaster victims effectively.
Meanwhile, NDMA’s Director of Communications, Mr. Archievego M. Doe, has dismissed the allegations against Executive Director Dulleh as baseless and unfounded. He stated, “These allegations are the work of detractors who do not want to see the entity move forward.”
