The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has concluded a high-profile investigation into a major corruption scandal at Lofa County Community College, uncovering misappropriation of over USD $410,000 and 13.3 million Liberian dollars. The investigation links the college’s President, Dr. Isaac P. Podah, along with other top officials, to widespread financial malpractice, including payroll padding, illegal contractor payments, and the disbursement of funds without supporting service records.
The LACC’s quarterly report details that more than USD $73,000 was paid to ghost employees, while USD $337,000 was disbursed without documentation or proof of service. These allegations have rocked the institution, drawing sharp criticism from students, civil society groups, and whistleblowers who had demanded Dr. Podah’s suspension to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. Pressure also mounted on President Joseph Boakai to intervene, with critics citing double standards in holding public officials accountable.
Despite the growing calls, Dr. Podah was not suspended, although other senior university officials Human Resource Director Beyan M.M. Kamara and the university’s comptroller were removed from their posts pending the investigation’s outcome.
Among the key findings, Dr. Podah was accused of overseeing a payroll system that included ghost workers and inflated salaries. He also authorized a controversial $3,350 payment to university board member Annie Markelee Flomo for a retreat that allegedly never occurred. Insiders allege that the funds were instead used for Diversity Visa (DV) applications for Flomo’s children.
Additional scrutiny was placed on a university book sales program that reportedly exploited students through overpriced, mandatory textbook purchases. Furthermore, Dr. Podah was found to have allowed John Lake, a member of the vetting committee that recommended his appointment, to hold dual administrative roles at the institution an apparent violation of Liberia’s Code of Conduct.
Dr. Podah, in response to the allegations, dismissed the probe as being politically motivated, labeling it “a personal vendetta” by whistleblower Kemoh Kamara, a former university expeditor who he claimed was disgruntled after a demotion. “He’s bitter because I refused to work with him,” Podah stated in a phone interview during an independent verification. “Let the truth come out. We’re not afraid.”
He did, however, confirm authorizing the $3,350 payment to Flomo but claimed it was done under the directive of the university board. He denied any role in legislative hiring schemes and defended his handling of university finances.
Kemoh Kamara has since written to the Ministry of Finance, the Civil Service Agency, and the Office of President Joseph N. Boakai, raising alarms over the ongoing mismanagement and urging swift accountability.
With the investigation now completed, the LACC is preparing to publish the full findings of what has become one of the most high-profile education-related corruption cases in Liberia in recent years. The outcome is expected to shape the public’s trust in both the government’s anti-corruption drive and the management of public institutions.
