Despite the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) completed investigation into the National Road Fund (NRF), President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is yet to take decisive action against the institution or its implicated officials.
The LACC recently announced its intention to formally indict several NRF officials following a month-long probe into allegations of corruption.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, LACC Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe revealed that the Commission has concluded its investigation and is now working with the Ministry of Justice to draft formal indictments.
According to Cllr. Zoe, the investigation uncovered multiple acts of misappropriation and abuse of office between January and June 15, 2025.
A key finding centers around the alleged diversion of 1,000 solar lamps and poles, originally intended for distribution in Grand Cape Mount County, but reportedly repurposed for political campaigning during the 2023 General Elections.
According to the LACC, Manager Madam Joseta Neufville-Wento is accused of misapplying project funds for personal gain.
Several technical consultants working with the agency are also implicated.
“We have completed investigations into these allegations of corruption,” said Cllr. Zoe. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Justice to draw up indictments and ensure those involved are brought under the jurisdiction of the court for prosecution.”
The LACC Chair emphasized that the findings reflect the government’s stated commitment to transparency and the fight against corruption.
However, despite the gravity of the allegations, Madam Neufville-Wento remains in her position, and no public disciplinary action has been taken—prompting scrutiny of President Boakai’s consistency in handling corruption cases.
President Boakai came to power on a strong anti-corruption platform, promising to restore integrity to public service, a message that resonated with voters frustrated by the past administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), led by former President George Weah.
Since assuming office in January 2024, President Boakai has taken bold actions against corruption, including:The suspension of top officials at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA); Dismissals at the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission (WASH); the Action against the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC); and the swift removal of officials at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) over financial discrepancies.
These moves earned commendations from civil society groups and international partners. However, the silence surrounding the NRF matter raises questions about selective accountability.
Anti-graft advocates and political analysts have begun to question whether political or personal affiliations are influencing the President’s delay in addressing the NRF case. Some warn that the failure to act could erode public trust and undermine President Boakai’s image as a reformer.
Cllr. Zoe also noted that the LACC is investigating several other public institutions. Cases under review or pending prosecution aim to hold both current and former officials accountable.
By statute, the LACC is tasked with investigating, preventing, and prosecuting corruption. It also conducts civic education to highlight the dangers of graft and the benefits of good governance.
As public expectation mounts, many are looking to the Executive Mansion for clarity on the administration’s next steps.
Will President Boakai reinforce his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption,or allow political considerations to take precedence in the NRF case?
