The Ministry of Justice has initiated an investigation into the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s (LACC) recent clearance of the former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. This investigation arises amid allegations of payroll padding, raising significant concerns about the LACC’s decision.
The Ministry’s inquiry commenced just days after the LACC publicly cleared the former Minister. The LACC had previously stated that it found no grounds for further investigation into the claims of payroll irregularities against the former official. However, the Ministry of Justice has expressed doubts regarding the thoroughness of the LACC’s initial assessment.
The Ministry plans to review the LACC’s processes and conclusions, particularly concerning high-profile corruption allegations. This review may determine whether due diligence was appropriately executed and if the LACC’s decision to clear the former Minister was justified, given the nature of the claims.
The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact both the former Minister and the public’s confidence in Liberia’s anti-corruption measures. The Ministry disclosed this information over the weekend in Monrovia.
In a statement issued on March 6, 2026, the LACC clarified that Nathanial F. McGill, now a senator and former Minister of State, was the subject of an investigation related to accusations of payroll padding at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs from 2018 to 2023. After a thorough examination of the facts and available evidence, the LACC concluded that there was no probable cause to pursue legal action against him or any associated parties. Consequently, no charges were filed, and the case was closed. However, the LACC noted that the clearance was based on the findings of the investigation and does not imply an endorsement or guarantee beyond the specific inquiry.
Addressing a press briefing in Monrovia on March 9, 2026, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Chairperson of the LACC, addressed ongoing confusion about McGill’s legal status. She clarified that while he has been cleared of specific allegations related to payroll padding, he remains under investigation for other potential corrupt activities. She emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to counter any misinformation suggesting that McGill was entirely free from all corruption charges.
On March 31, 2024, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) conducted a systems review of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. The audit report indicated several operational lapses within the ministry. It identified issues ranging from governance irregularities to the lack of strategic and operational plans, absence of a functional audit committee, missing senior management meeting minutes, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation reports for effective oversight and budget management.
The report also noted that management failed to establish a functional budget committee and a budget unit to create a comprehensive annual budget, which should include projected revenue receipts, planned expenditures, and the preparation of quarterly budget performance reports.
Furthermore, the report highlighted various irregularities in personnel management, including the absence of approved human resource management policies or procedures. It also noted that the Civil Service Agency’s standing order did not govern the human resource activities of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
