Monrovia – The President of Lofa County University, Dr. Isaac P. Podah, is at the center of serious corruption allegations involving ghost employees, questionable hiring practices, and a controversial book sale scheme that critics say exploits struggling students.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Documents obtained by FrontPageAfrica, along with a formal complaint filed with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), detail multiple claims of financial malpractice and abuse of office under Dr. Podah’s leadership.
At the center of the scandal are required textbooks authored by Dr. Podah titled ‘Save the State, Citizenship, and Public Administration’, which students are forced to purchase for $10 as a precondition for registration. With more than 1,500 students currently enrolled, the policy could generate up to $37,500 per term.
“This isn’t just greedy, it’s unethical,” said one student. “Education is supposed to empower us, not enrich our president.”
Despite Liberia’s policy of free tuition at public universities, critics argue that such schemes undermine the intent of that policy and place an unfair financial burden on students.
Beyond the textbook controversy, whistleblower Kemoh Kamara, a university staff member, filed a detailed complaint outlining a pattern of alleged payroll fraud. Kamara alleges that Dr. Podah placed Vamuyan L. Kanneh on LCU’s payroll in November 2024, despite Kanneh never reporting to campus due to his full-time role as Special Assistant to Senator Momo T. Cyrus.
“How does a ghost employee get past oversight?” Kamara asked.
Kamara also claims that Dr. Podah bypassed Civil Service Agency procedures to place political allies on payroll, submitting incomplete documentation to push hires through.
Among the names listed are Dr. Washington Kezelee, reportedly reappointed despite no teaching record at LCU and currently receiving $3,000 per month. Others include Momo S. Taylor ($1,900/month) and Peter Davis Sumo, reportedly hired at $2,000/month without proper board approval.
Kamara says this points to widespread cronyism under the guise of administrative reform.
The complaint further highlights a $3,350 payment approved by Dr. Podah to Board member Annie Markelee Flomo for a retreat that never occurred. Insiders allege the funds were used for her children’s Diversity Visa applications instead.
Additional concerns surround John Lake, who helped vet Dr. Podah for the presidency and now holds dual high-level posts at the university—an apparent violation of Liberia’s Code of Conduct.
In response, Dr. Podah denies any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as a personal vendetta by Kamara following his demotion.
“He’s bitter because I refused to work with him,” Dr. Podah said. “Let the truth come out. We’re not afraid.”
He confirmed authorizing the $3,350 payment but claimed it was done based on board directives and denied knowledge of Kanneh’s employment in the Legislature.
The LCU Board of Trustees has yet to issue a public statement. Sources say the board is split, with some members pushing for full accountability and others pressuring Kamara to remain silent.
Students are reportedly organizing to demand transparency and reforms, while the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has confirmed receipt of the complaint and launched an investigation.
