MONROVIA – The Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) finds itself embroiled in controversy following revelations of alleged nepotism and questionable decision-making by its Director-General, Richard F. Ngafuan. Appointed in February 2024 by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Ngafuan now faces stern calls for his resignation after a letter surfaced in which he requested the transfer of his wife, Mrs. Joyce Nyenpan Ngafuan, from LISGIS to another government agency. The letter, dated October 2, 2024, addressed to Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Josiah Joekai, raises significant questions about governance, transparency, and professional ethics at LISGIS.
In the letter, Ngafuan argues that his wife’s transfer is necessary to avoid perceptions of conflict of interest. Joyce, who has been with LISGIS since 2007, currently heads the External Trade Unit, which is responsible for compiling critical trade indicators. While the request appears straightforward, critics argue that Ngafuan’s decision to accept the LISGIS appointment despite his wife’s role within the same institution creates an unavoidable ethical dilemma. As one political commentator put it, “Did Richard not foresee the conflict of interest this would create before accepting the position?”
Adding fuel to the fire is the suspicion that the letter may have been backdated. A commentator who chose to remain anonymous has alleged that the timing and wording of the letter suggest it was a reaction to mounting public scrutiny rather than a genuine effort to address transparency concerns. Furthermore, the commentator raised concerns about potential favoritism, noting that both Ngafuan and Joekai hail from Lofa County, which could imply a personal rather than professional motivation behind the delay in Mrs. Ngafuan’s transfer.
The controversy also reignited debates on nepotism within Liberia’s public institutions. Matthew Nyanplu, a former Assistant Minister for Information Services, publicly criticized the situation, stating, “Richard Ngafuan and his wife at LISGIS exemplify the very nepotism that undermines public trust in governance. The decision to lead an entity where one’s spouse works inherently erodes professional boundaries and invites allegations of favoritism.” Nyanplu further questioned whether Ngafuan’s decision to accept the LISGIS role was influenced by a desire to reverse punitive measures allegedly taken against his wife during the previous administration.
This scandal also casts a shadow on CSA Director-General Josiah Joekai, whose role in the delayed transfer process raises questions about his commitment to impartiality. Critics suggest that Joekai’s apparent inaction might stem from personal loyalty to Ngafuan rather than adherence to professional standards. Whether the delay was intentional or a result of bureaucratic inefficiency, the situation reflects poorly on the CSA’s credibility.
The implications of this debacle go beyond the individuals involved, highlighting systemic governance challenges in Liberia. The fact that such a clear conflict of interest was not addressed before Ngafuan’s appointment underscores the absence of rigorous vetting processes for senior public officials. It also raises concerns about the ARREST Agenda—a governance framework championed by President Boakai’s administration—whose credibility now hangs in the balance as key appointees falter in upholding its principles.
Furthermore, the situation has damaged public confidence in LISGIS, an institution critical to the nation’s data-driven decision-making. For a body tasked with providing impartial and accurate statistical information, the perception of internal nepotism threatens its credibility and undermines the trust necessary for its work to be effective.
Ngafuan’s actions have also subjected his wife to public embarrassment, raising questions about his judgment and priorities. Critics argue that he could have declined the LISGIS appointment to preserve his family’s dignity and avoid casting doubt on the institution’s integrity. Instead, his acceptance of the role appears to have exacerbated an already fraught situation, leading many to question his commitment to professional ethics.
The broader implications of this case cannot be ignored. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for institutional reforms to address nepotism and ensure that public officials prioritize national interests over personal considerations. The ongoing controversy also places pressure on President Boakai’s administration to demonstrate that it is serious about governance and accountability, lest it be accused of enabling the very practices it claims to oppose.
In the final analysis, the onus is on Ngafuan to take responsibility for the consequences of his decisions. Resigning would not only preserve what remains of his professional reputation but also send a strong message about the administration’s commitment to ethical governance. At the same time, Josiah Joekai must provide a transparent account of his role in the delayed transfer process to restore public confidence in the CSA. Anything less would amount to a betrayal of the public trust and a setback for Liberia’s democratic progress.
The pressing question remains: Will Ngafuan and Joekai rise above personal loyalties and do what is right for the country, or will this episode further entrench the culture of impunity that has plagued Liberia’s public institutions for decades? For now, the ball is in their court, but the stakes could not be higher.
