By Grace Q. Bryant
The Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Jackson J. Paye, has called on the Commission’s workforce to remain calm and unified.
His administrative team has committed to addressing the concerns of aggrieved workers, underscoring that Liberia is a shared responsibility for all its citizens.
Since assuming office on November 4, 2024 OIC Paye has encouraged employees and contractors to uphold integrity, embrace a positive mindset, and serve with sincerity to foster development within the organization and the nation.
He emphasized his dedication to transformation and openness, aligning his goals with the Liberian government’s ARREST Agenda and the mandate entrusted to him by President Joseph Boakai.
Speaking at a recent meeting, Acting Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Joseph Boye Cooper, highlighted the need to rebrand the Commission’s image and establish a culture of transparency and accountability.
He expressed that achieving these goals requires a collective mindset of “Love Liberia, Think Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
During a meeting held at LRRRC Headquarters in Congo Town, Human Resource Director Robert Tamba, expressed gratitude to President Boakai for entrusting him with this leadership role during a pivotal period for the Commission. He pledged his cooperation with the interim team to advance LRRRC’s mission.
Employee Welfare Chairman Charles Green, on behalf of the staff, welcomed the interim leadership and assured their support, promising a more professional approach to addressing employees’ welfare.
Meanwhile, former LRRRC Executive Director Patrick T. Worzie has assured President Boakai of his willingness to cooperate with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) investigation.
Worzie, who was recently suspended along with his two deputies due to allegations of financial misappropriation, stated in an open letter that he is ready to present himself for questioning to clear his name in line with the ARREST Agenda’s principles of accountability.
“I remain available to investigators as required,” Worzie affirmed.
The suspension of Worzie, along with Deputy Executive Directors Richard Hoff (Operations) and AJ Armah Karneh (Administration), came after an Executive Mansion statement released on October 31, which detailed allegations of financial misconduct.
Signed by Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana, the statement indicated that the officials are suspended without pay pending a full investigation by the LACC.
The report submitted to the President highlighted irregular financial transactions involving senior officials at the LRRRC.
Daniel Jackson, recently disclosed allegations of significant corruption within the LRRRC, including misallocated funds and the fabrication of refugee numbers to inflate payments.
Jackson presented evidence on Spoon Radio and through a Facebook live stream, alleging that funds intended for refugee programs were misappropriated for personal gains.
He called on President Boakai to initiate a thorough investigation.
“At the LRRRC, Patrick Worzie and his deputies are engaged in massive corruption, inflating refugee numbers and issuing numerous checks for personal payouts. We have the evidence, and it’s time for the LACC and GAC to take action,” Jackson urged.
The President has responded by directing the LACC to initiate a comprehensive investigation.
All suspended officials are expected to return properties belonging to the government and LRRRC to the Commission’s Human Resource Director. President Boakai reiterated his commitment to fostering ethical governance, transparency, and accountability across government institutions
