The President of Lofa County University (LCU), Dr. Isaac P. Podah is facing mounting pressure to step aside as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) investigation of alleged corruption nears conclusion. Students, whistleblowers, and civil society actors are demanding his immediate suspension, citing double standards and the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing probe.
The LACC is investigating a wide-ranging corruption scandal at LCU involving allegations of ghost employees, payroll padding, questionable financial practices, and conflicts of interest.
The probe reportedly includes eight formal charges against Dr. Podah, other university officials, and members of the Board of Trustees.
Critics say the administration’s handling of the scandal has been inconsistent and unfair. While the university’s Human Resource Director, Mr. Beyan M.M. Kamara and the Comptroller — both also under investigation — have been suspended indefinitely, Dr. Podah has not.
This disparity has raised eyebrows, with students and whistleblower, Mr. Kemon Kamara, who brought many of the allegations to light.
“How can the head of an institution be under investigation for serious financial misconduct yet remain in office while others are sent home?” one concerned student asked on condition of anonymity. “We want transparency. We want fairness. This is about the future of our university.”
Diverted Funds and Political Ties
Sources close to the investigation say Podah admitted to the LACC that US$55,471 was withdrawn from the Central Check account and is as yet unaccounted-for. He further confessed to diverting a portion of that amount to the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation, where he is allegedly a member and political supporter.
This revelation has fueled suspicion that Podah’s close ties to President Boakai, also a native of Lofa County, may be shielding him from being suspended while undergoing investigation.
“It appears the law is being selectively applied,” Kamara said. “Dr. Podah is still in charge while those below him are penalized. That’s not the justice the President or the Attorney General has promised.”
In a formal letter to Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Kamara referenced a May 26, 2025, radio interview in which the minister stated that it is in the government’s best interest to suspend officials under investigation for corruption.
“I urge you to act in line with your own public commitment,” Kamara wrote. “Dr. Podah remains in office despite serious allegations, which undermines the credibility of the investigation.”
The Rundown of Allegations
Dr. Podah stands accused of overseeing a system of ghost employees and inflated payrolls, and authorizing a controversial US$3,350 payment to Board Member Annie Markelee Flomo for a retreat that allegedly never occurred. Insiders claim the funds were instead used to cover Diversity Visa applications for Flomo’s children.
Other alleged schemes include a program that reportedly exploits students with the mandatory purchase of overpriced books, and enabling John Lake, a member of the vetting committee that recommended Podah’s appointment, to hold dual administrative roles at LCU, contravening Liberia’s Code of Conduct.
In a shocking development, Podah himself penned the letter suspending HR Director Beyan Kamara. In it, he cited findings from an internal audit and a report from Liberia’s Controller and Accountant General, Hon. Elwood T. Netty. The suspension, he wrote, was necessary “to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
Students and faculty argue that the same logic must apply to Podah himself, especially given the severity of the allegations and the public interest involved.
But Podah has dismissed the allegations as “a personal vendetta” by Kamara, following the latter’s demotion. “He’s bitter because I refused to work with him,” he said. “Let the truth come out. We’re not afraid.”
Podah confirmed authorizing the $3,350 payment to Flomo but claimed it was done under the directive of the university’s board. He also denied involvement in legislative hiring schemes.
The Board Remains Silent
The LCU Board of Trustees has yet to issue a public statement. Sources say the board is divided, with some members pushing for a full accounting of the scandal, while others have allegedly pressured Kamara to stop speaking out.
Meanwhile, students are planning peaceful demonstrations to demand institutional reform, transparency, and equal application of justice, especially while Podah remains unsuspended.
The LACC, although confirming its ongoing investigation and receipt of a formal complaint, has not released specific findings. However, officials say the probe is nearing completion.
