Monrovia – Liberia’s electricity sector, like many others, was left in ruins following the nation’s brutal 14-year civil conflict. In response, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made its revitalization one of her administration’s top priorities. Her “Small Light Today, Big Light Tomorrow” program marked the restoration of electricity to parts of Monrovia for the first time in over a decade.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
A major boost came with the Millennium Challenge Compact, under which Liberia received $257 million to rehabilitate the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and support other critical projects in the sector. This funding marked a turning point for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), enabling it to rebuild and expand its operations.
Progress Under Successive Leadership
The LEC saw significant development under successive management teams, including the Irish-Ghana-based energy company ESBI and an all-Liberian team led by Monie Captan. Captain had previously managed the Millennium Challenge Account Liberia, the entity responsible for overseeing the $257 million fund. He was appointed Acting Managing Director of LEC by then-President George Weah and served during a period marked by both progress and persistent challenges.
Following the expiration of Captan’s tenure, President Joseph N. Boakai has appointed an interim management team to guide the LEC through its current challenges. The team is led by Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon, an Electrical Engineer and Executive Director for Distribution and Transmission. Other key members include Eric Augustine Fredericks, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Emile Kanga, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Operations and I. Dele Shobayo, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services
The team assumes leadership at a critical time as Liberia enters the dry season—a period characterized by reduced power supply due to declining water levels in the St. Paul River, the primary energy source for the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant in White Plains. Additionally, the LEC faces several pressing issues Rising Debt. Liberia owes significant sums to Ivory Coast through the West African Power Pool, and the government’s debt to the LEC continues to grow.
Rampant illegal connections and non-payment by consumers undermine the utility’s financial viability. According to the LEC, commercial losses to power theft stood at 27.5 percent in 2024.
In addition, persistent infrastructure and management challenges hinder reliable service delivery. The appointments have sparked public debate, with key questions emerging: Does the interim management team have the expertise and experience to tackle these challenges effectively? Were these appointments based on merit, or were they influenced by political lobbying and behind-the-scenes negotiations? Can the team restore public confidence in the LEC’s ability to deliver reliable electricity? FPA takes a closer look at the president’s latest appointments and their implications for the future of Liberia’s electricity sector.
Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon, Interim MD
Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon is an Electrical Engineer and an Energy Expert with over Thirty (30) Years of work experience in the Electricity sector of Liberia. Engr. Gonkerwon serves as Executive Director for Distribution and Transmission and is responsible for the technical, strategic, and financial management of the utility’s transmission and distribution assets.
According to the LEC. Gonkerwon holds an advanced diploma in Electricity from the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Liberia.
Engr. Gonkerwon has also earned several certificates from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) in the areas of Project Planning & Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Procurement.
Gonkerwon hailed from Nimba. Though he rose through the rank and file at the LEC, FPA gathered that he was recommended by VP Jeremiah Kpan Koung. Critics say he spends most of his time at the LEC in the technical department. As such, his elevation to Managing Director is a misplacement and may create a gap in the department of Distribution and Transmission. Others disagreed, saying his experience would be an added advantage.
Engr. Emile G. Karnga, Interim Deputy MD for Operations
Karnga serves as Senior Manager for Generation assigned at the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant (MCHPP) accountable and responsible for the overall strategic planning, safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and fiscal sustainability of the power plant and to ensure that the plant meets requirements defined by Law.
According to the LEC, Engr. Karnga holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Electronics Engineering from the Liberia Christian College Monrovia, Liberia, and a BSc Degree in Electronics Engineering from Stella Maris Polytechnic University Monrovia, Liberia. Engr. Karnga has also earned several certificates in Hydro operation and maintenance from Kafue Gorge Regional Training Center, Lusaka, Zambia, and Certificate in Hydro Power Operation and Maintenance from Voith Training Center Heidenheim, Germany.
Before joining the LEC, Engr. Karnga worked with Firestone Liberia Rubber Company as an Engineer where he was responsible for Instrumentation, Machine Analysis, and Industrial Electrical Control systems. He also worked with the Ministry of Education in Liberia and was assigned in Harbel, Margibi County at the Harbel Multilateral High School as Administrative Coordinator to supervise and run the Technical and vocational Section. Since joining the LEC, Engr. Karnga has served in several positions at MCHPP including Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Manager, and Acting Plant Manager.
Engr. Dele I. Shobayo, Interim DM for Technical Services
Shobayo serves as Executive Director for Planning, Engineering, and Major Connections in which capacity he oversees power system planning and expansion; engineering and network design, technical standards and specifications development and verification; meter processing, control, and configuration; major connections and revenue protection. Engr. Shobayo has worked in both private and public sectors and has diverse experience in the planning, implementation, and management of energy programs and projects and electricity infrastructure and systems. He has also contributed meaningfully to engineering education and engineering curriculum development in Liberia.
In his previous role as Senior Energy Advisor at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Engr. Shobayo played a critical role in energy policy formulation and sector planning at the national and sub-regional levels, according to the LEC. Prior to joining the Liberia Electricity Corporation, he served as Energy Project Technical Manager at Millennium Challenge Account – Liberia where he managed multiple projects under the $257M Liberia Compact with the United States Government.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Machines and Power Systems from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. He has numerous professional certifications including an Advanced Certificate in Power System Protection from Egyptian Electricity Holding Company. Engr. Dele I. Shobayo has authored several publications. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Engineering Society of Liberia.
Eric Augustine Fredericks, Interim Deputy MD for Administration
Unlike his three colleagues, Fredericks has no experience working with the LEC. The LEC has not updated his profile on its website as to the time of writing this article. However, his resume, seen by FPA, quotes him as having a profile with a wide range of skills, education, and experience, adding that he can excel in various roles and sectors.
It also says his technical knowledge in electrical engineering and experience in banking, finance, public administration, project management, election data management and education, among others makes him a valuable addition to any organization and team.
According to sources Fredericks is related to the President Pro Tempore, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and is said to be the Pro Tempore’s preferred candidate for the job despite his limited knowledge. FPA has gathered that he was first appointed by President Boakai as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), but was rejected by the donors.
Sources told FPA now he operates from the Mansion and claims to be bringing a 400mW coal plant to Liberia through some investors. This work is contrary to the COP. On his appointment, a critic said: “His experience, very weak. He was one of those that they had at NEC checking on the tally.”
A Crucial Test for the Boakai Administration
President Boakai’s decision to appoint this team will likely be seen as another test of his administration’s ability to manage critical sectors. The team’s success—or failure—could have significant implications for the president’s broader governance agenda and his commitment to resolving Liberia’s persistent electricity challenges.
