While the official reason for her resignation was not disclosed, sources told FrontPage Africa that it resulted from deteriorating working relationships with senior management, including the Managing Director.
Monrovia – Helena M. Doe-Knuckles, Deputy Director for Administration at the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), has resigned, leaving a leadership gap at Liberia’s only international airport.
Appointed by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai in 2024, Madam Doe-Knuckles submitted her resignation effective Friday, August 15, 2025. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude for her tenure but indicated that it was time to pursue new challenges:
“Dear H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Deputy Managing Director for Administration at the Liberia Airport Authority, effective August 15, 2025. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and appreciate all the opportunities you have given me. I am committed to assisting with the transition in any way I can.”
Her departure was first revealed in a leaked internal memo, later confirmed by the LAA, stating:
“The Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Hon. Helena M. Doe-Knuckles, has RESIGNED from the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA/RIA), effective Friday, August 15, 2025.”
While the official reason for her resignation was not disclosed, sources told FrontPage Africa that it resulted from deteriorating working relationships with senior management, including the Managing Director.
The LAA has also been facing allegations of corruption, poor leadership, and operational mismanagement, with reports of serious security lapses at Roberts International Airport.
When contacted, LAA management denied internal conflict or corruption, emphasizing their commitment to international aviation standards. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “The Liberia Airport Authority is the only entity that intentionally subjects itself to yearly GAC audits, one of which is ongoing. Our focus is on ICAO certification and meeting international aviation standards. We are not politicians; our goal is to elevate this airport to international standards. Resistance to change and repeated routine criticisms will not distract us from that mission.”
Madam Doe-Knuckles’ resignation highlights ongoing challenges within the LAA and raises questions about governance, operational oversight, and accountability at Liberia’s primary international airport.
