The Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service is entangled in a US$650,000 scandal involving unaccounted gasoline coupons.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia, February 14, 2025—The Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFRS) has been the site of a significant corruption scandal involving unaccounted gasoline coupons worth US$650,000.
The alleged missing coupons without a trail are indeed a serious matter, as they raise questions about transparency and oversight within the entity.
Such incidents can point to weak internal controls or, potentially, an effort to cover up misconduct.
There’s growing concern about corruption under the Boakai Administration, with media commentators expressing frustration over the government’s apparent lack of control and accountability.
The mention of corruption being a “daily act” suggests that these issues are pervasive and systemic. This could undermine trust in the leadership and the administration’s ability to govern effectively, which could be a significant point of criticism for President Boakai’s administration.
One of the panelists, Mr. Gamordeh Clinton, highlights a deep sense of frustration and concern. He emphasizes that the country is facing both corruption and violations of its Constitution. He seems to suggest that leadership is neglecting the fundamental principles of governance.
“This points to a lack of accountability, not just in terms of corruption, but also in disregard for the rule of law”, he noted. These issues could be particularly troubling for citizens who expect legal integrity and an end to corrupt practices from their leaders.
Another panelist, Paul Kennedy, calls for more transparency and accountability within government. He recommends establishing an internal investigation committee, thus advocating for a proactive approach to addressing corruption and ensuring that wrongdoing is thoroughly examined.
His proposal to involve external bodies like the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Justice suggests a desire for a more independent, impartial review of the situation, which could help restore trust in the LNFS process.
“This could serve as a potential step towards ensuring that investigations are handled with the necessary integrity and rigor.”
Also, Montserrado County District 9 former Representative Moses Acarous Gray adds an interesting layer to the discussion, suggesting that issues surrounding the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFS) are not new.
Gray’s conclusion paints a very bleak picture of the executive branch’s current state, noting that “almost every fabric” of the government is embroiled in scandal on a daily basis.
He mentions entities like NOCAL (National Oil Company of Liberia) and the National Road Fund (NRF).
When contacted on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Director of the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFS), G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr, insisted that he’s not prepared to comment on the scandal. In such a context, his silence might raise questions about whether the issue will be properly investigated or addressed. Editing by Jonathan Browne
