‘Boakai’s Decision To Suspend Tenure Officials Not Witch- Hunt’ – Press Secretary Clarifies By: Julius Konton

Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana said the decision by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to suspend tenure officials of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority and the Governance Commission is not a witch hunt. Just two days after the Supreme Court  ruled in favor of some tenure officials which was welcomed by the Liberian leader, President Boakai suspended some tenure officials both from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and the Governance Commission, something critics termed as witch- hunt but Presidential Press Secretary refuted the claim at an Executive Mansion weekly Press Conference on Friday, April 26, 2024. According to her, the Liberian leader’s decision at the LTA and GC is among other things meant to fight corruption in government as well as transparency and accountability in public sector. The suspended tenure officials at the LTA  include Edwina C. Zackpah,  Israel Akinsanya,  Zotawon D. Titus,  James Gbarwea, and  Osborne K. Diggs were suspended for allegations of questionable financial transactions and other malpractices at the Authority.  The President has requested a comprehensive audit of the LTA by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to investigate the allegations at the Authority.  He urged the suspended officials to cooperate fully with the GAC as they undertake the investigation.  The Liberian Leader expressed confidence that the investigation would reveal any financial impropriety and help identify corrective measures to prevent such recurrences in the future. “The LTA is a critical institution responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector in the country and the institution should uphold high standards of integrity and accountability in carrying out its mandate,” added Madam Fofana. She stressed that the suspension of the Chairperson and Commissioners is a clear indication of the President’s confidence in his Administration’s commitment to ensuring that the LTA operates in the best interest of the Liberian people.  She emphasized that the Government is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in all sectors and urged all public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in carrying out their duties to the Liberian people. As for the Governance Commission, Chairperson Garrison Yealue was suspended for allegedly violating the Governance Commission Act, even though the Communication up till press time did no mention  which specific provisions of the GC’s Act that was violated by Mr. Yealue. In furtherance of his decision, , President Boakai also constituted a committee to look into the matter relative to the GC’s Act that was allegedly violated by Mr. Yealue. The two latest decisions by President Boakai have so far generated scores of debates in the corridors of the country with some lauding the Liberian leader for such stance while others have described his decisions as a witch- hun Addressing Executive Mansion reporters, Presidential Press Secretary  Fofana has also disclosed that the Liberian Chief Executive will depart the country early May to attend the African Business Summit. Expected to take place in Dallas, Texas, the United States of America, President Boakai will lead a Liberian delegation for such key gathering. President Boakai, she told reporters, is excited for the invitation from African   leaders as the summit will focus on trade and commerce as well as other economic benefits for the people on the continent. It is also expected that at the end of the summit, big business executives and associates will visit Liberia with the hope of exploring business opportunities for the nation and its people.  Meanwhile, President Boakai, she pointed out, will also address the nation next week on his first hundred days in office. Achievements and challenges under his first hundred days in office as well as further plans under the ARREST AGENDA will be highlighted by the Liberian leader during his address to the Nation.