MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has formally requested the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) to impose immediate travel restrictions on several high-profile individuals suspected of involvement in serious financial misconduct. The request, made in a letter dated July 1, 2025, and addressed to Commissioner General Elijah F. Rufus, is part of the commission’s ongoing effort to prevent suspects from evading justice as indictments near.
This decisive action signals a new phase in Liberia’s fight against corruption, with the LACC emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation to uphold the rule of law. The letter highlights the advanced stage of multiple investigations involving officials from key government agencies and commissions. It specifically asks that the listed individuals be flagged and barred from leaving Liberia through all official borders, seaports, and airports until further notice.
The confidential document obtained by media outlets details the suspects across four major sectors. Within the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), former chairpersons and commissioners, including Edwina G. Zackpah and Maria Harrison, as well as the suspended acting chairman and former TAMMA CEO Abdullah Kamara, face scrutiny. Senior officials at the Liberia Refugee, Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) such as Executive Director Patrick T. Worzie and Humanitarian Director Jeroline Koleh are also named. The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has suspended CEO Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis and Comptroller Richmond Jallah on the list. Additionally, several county officials involved in the Gbarpolu Yellow Machine scandal, including Gbarpolu Superintendent Sam K. Zinnah, are under investigation.
While the LACC has moved aggressively to contain potential flight risks through travel bans, questions remain about the overall budget allocated to such high-stakes operations. Financial and logistical resources required to conduct investigations, manage legal proceedings, and coordinate enforcement across agencies are significant. However, public information about the cost of these operations or the commission’s funding remains scarce. Transparency about the amount allocated by government or external partners is crucial to ensure that the anti-corruption drive is both effective and accountable.
The seriousness of the allegations and the breadth of suspects underscore the scale of alleged financial impropriety that may have impacted Liberia’s development. Yet, there has been no official disclosure regarding the estimated financial losses involved or how recovered assets will be managed.
The LACC’s letter reaffirms the commission’s commitment to due process and calls on the Liberia Immigration Service to cooperate fully. It also copies the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Director General of the National Security Agency, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, and the Executive Director of the Financial Intelligence Agency, reflecting a coordinated government effort.
This recent move by the LACC highlights the growing momentum in Liberia’s battle against corruption. It also raises the urgent need for greater budget transparency to assure citizens that public funds are being responsibly utilized in pursuit of justice. The fight against corruption demands not only identifying and prosecuting wrongdoers but also maintaining clear and open accountability in the use of resources that support this critical work.
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