The Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Jackson Paye, announced the commencement of three simultaneous audits into the commission.
Speaking recently, OIC Paye revealed that the audits aim to investigate allegations of financial malpractices at the entity.
The audits are being conducted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), and the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
OIC Paye explained that the investigations will focus on verifying bills and claims presented by individuals and vendors to ensure compliance with the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) requirements and the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law.
“We are committed to transparency and any bills or contracts presented will be thoroughly scrutinized to determine their legitimacy,” he said.
The LRRRC Acting Executive Director acknowledged the significant challenges currently facing the commission.
Among these are the lack of gratuity for volunteers, the profiling of Burkinabé nationals in Liberia, and the ongoing repatriation of former Liberian refugees from Ghana.
OIC Paye also highlighted the withdrawal of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a major donor, which has created a financial gap for the commission.
He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address this shortfall and sustain the LRRRC’s operations.
“The departure of UNHCR as a key partner has left us in a precarious financial position. We will need both government support and international collaboration to stabilize and move forward,” he said.
In a bid to restore public trust and attract international donor confidence, Paye vowed to work collaboratively with his deputies and other stakeholders to rebrand the LRRRC.
He underscored the importance of rebuilding the commission’s credibility and ensuring that it can effectively fulfill its statutory mandate.
Paye expressed optimism about the commission’s future. He called on government and international partners to provide the necessary support to address pressing issues and improve the welfare of refugees and other vulnerable groups under the LRRRC’s care.
The audits, according to Paye, are expected to set the foundation for stronger financial and operational integrity at the commission, paving the way for sustainable reforms.
The Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission plays a crucial role in supporting refugees and returnees, and the success of these efforts will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing audits and the broader reform initiatives.
