President Joseph Boakai, has suspended three high-ranking officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) over allegations of serious financial misconduct.
The suspended officials are Executive Director Patrick Worzie; Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Richard Hoff, and Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Armah Karneh.
According to an announcement from the Executive Mansion, the suspensions which are being implemented effective immediately, are without pay, pending a thorough investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The decision to suspend the officials follows a report submitted to President Boakai’s office, detailing suspicious financial transactions at the LRRRC.
As part of the ongoing process, the President has mandated that all suspended personnel return government and LRRRC’s property in their possession to the Commission’s Human Resource Director.
The LACC has been charged with conducting a full-scale investigation into these allegations, with emphasis on ensuring a transparent and timely inquiry.
President Boakai underscored his commitment to ethical governance and transparency, reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
“The actions we take today reflect our unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in public office,” the President stated.
He said, “We owe it to the Liberian people to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that those who betray this trust are held accountable.”
President Boakai has appointed Jackson J. Paye as Officer in Charge (OIC) and Joseph Boye Cooper as Interim Deputy Director for Operations at the LRRRC.
Both appointments take effect immediately and are intended to stabilize the commission’s operations while maintaining essential services to the public.
The interim leadership has been tasked with ensuring that the commission continues its work with refugees and repatriated individuals, as well as supporting the LACC’s investigation into the allegations of administrative misconduct.
President Boakai has urged Paye and Cooper to exhibit the “highest standards of ethical conduct” during this transitional period, stressing the importance of restoring public trust in government institutions.
“Our interim leaders must demonstrate diligence, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s interests,” President Boakai stated.
He added, “This is a time for transparency and ethical leadership, both of which are essential to achieving our goal of fostering a culture of integrity within our institutions.”
President Boakai has called on all appointed officials to uphold values of diligence, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty as they serve the nation.
The unfolding situation at the LRRRC serves as a crucial test of the administration’s critical stance on corruption and will likely influence public perceptions of government accountability moving forward.
