By Goddgift Harris
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has sharply criticized government.
The director, Anderson Miamen warned that inconsistent responses to corruption allegations risk undermining public confidence the already fragile anti-corruption framework.
At a press in Monrovia, Miamen said recent scandals involving senior officials at the heart of the country’s integrity institutions point to a troubling pattern of weak political will and selective accountability.
Ombudsman scandal raises credibility concerns
CENTAL’s strongest criticism centers on allegations that involved Finley Y. Karngar, the former head of the Office of the Ombudsman, an institution mandated to enforce ethical conduct among public officials.
A detailed investigative report accused Karngar of extorting benefits from his Special Assistant, including monthly scratch cards valued between US$30–35 and 50 percent of the assistant’s salary over a four-month period in 2025, totaling approximately US$2,000.
The report further recommended his dismissal, restitution and criminal investigation.
The allegations marked the second major corruption claim against Karngar within a year, following earlier reports linking him to alleged kickback arrangements tied to rental payments for the Ombudsman’s offices.
CENTAL described the accusations as a direct violation of the very Code of Conduct Karngar was entrusted to uphold, warning that such behavior “strikes at the core of the integrity system.”
Although Karngar resigned shortly after the reports was release, CENTAL faulted President Joseh Nyuma Boakai for merely accepting the resignation without referencing the findings or initiating further action.
“The failure to acknowledge the gravity of the allegations or commend the investigative process sends the wrong signal. Resignation alone is not accountability,” CENTAL said.
The group argued that allowing Karngar to step down voluntarily, rather than being formally dismissed, weakens deterrence and suggests a reluctance to fully confront corruption at high levels.
As for the calls for prosecution and LACC intervention, CENTAL have urged the Commission to take over the matter; conduct a comprehensive investigation, and ensure that any wrongdoing is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The organization also called for full implementation of the investigative report’s recommendations, including restitution and possible criminal charges.
The watchdog also raised alarm over a separate corruption allegation involving Ernest Hughes, Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority LAA), and former Vice Chairperson of the LACC.
Hughes is accused of soliciting a 15 percent kickback from a Canadian aviation contractor as a condition for approving a US$1 million payment for services at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
According to reports, LAA Board recommended his suspension, and referred the matter to the Ministry of Justice. However, before the decision could be enforced, Hughes requested a leave of absence, which was subsequently accepted by the Executive Mansion.
CENTAL questioned this approach, arguing that the seriousness of the allegation warranted immediate suspension rather than a voluntary leave.
“Permitting a leave of absence in such a grave matter raises concerns about consistency and seriousness in tackling corruption,” the organization noted.
Allegations of selective enforcement, CENTAL said the contrasting handling of the Karngar and Hughes cases reflect an emerging pattern of “selective enforcement.”
In one instance, an accused official was allowed to resign without further action; in another, a different standard appeared to apply.
“This inconsistency creates the impression that the government is picking and choosing which cases to pursue aggressively,” CENTAL warned, adding that such perceptions could erode public trust and embolden corrupt practices.
The organization has meanwhile, called on Boakai to adopt a uniform and transparent approach in addressing corruption allegations one that applies equally to all officials regardless of status or affiliation.
CENTAL stressed that where evidence exists, actions such as suspension, dismissal, investigation, and prosecution must be consistently applied.