Zorzor District – Lofa University has suspended three senior officials indefinitely as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of payroll malpractice that reportedly caused the university to lose $75,000.
By Prince T Mulbah contributing writer
The officials suspended are Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Morlu Korsor, Comptroller Peter CP Taylor II, and Human Resources Officer Beyan M. Kamara.
The suspension follows a probe initiated by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) after irregularities were uncovered in the university’s payroll system.
According to Lofa University President Dr. Isaac Podah, the investigation was prompted by findings from the Ministry of Finance, which revealed that some individuals were still on the payroll despite resigning, while others were receiving salaries without performing their duties.
Dr. Podah, in a recent interview on Radio Life, a local radio station in Zorzor, confirmed the suspensions, citing the seriousness of the allegations. “I promised to conduct an audit when I took office,” he said. “The Ministry of Finance flagged payroll issues, making it difficult to implement changes.”
The investigation, conducted by Elwood T. Nettey, the Accounting Comptroller General, uncovered financial malpractice, with a recommendation for the dismissal of the involved officials. Dr. Podah explained that, while the Ministry of Finance had recommended dismissal, he opted for suspension to allow the LACC to handle the matter.
“My decision was to suspend them while the Anti-Corruption Commission investigates the case,” Dr. Podah said. “If they are exonerated, we can reunite and restore the university’s integrity.”
Dr. Korsor, the suspended Vice President for Academic Affairs, confirmed his suspension but declined to comment further on the allegations. Attempts to reach Comptroller Peter CP Taylor II and Human Resources Officer Beyan M. Kamara for comment were unsuccessful.
