MONROVIA – The Board of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has formally recommended to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai the immediate suspension of Superintendent James Momoh and his Assistant Superintendent, citing an escalating crisis of governance, unauthorized contracts amounting to over US$1.6 million, financial mismanagement, and growing unrest among students and teachers.
In a detailed communication dated April 28, 2025, addressed to Minister of State Sylvester M. Grigsby, MCSS Board Chair John-Charuk Siafa outlined the institution’s deteriorating condition, describing it as a “toxic environment” that demands urgent high-level intervention. The letter, based on an April 22 board resolution, paints a troubling portrait of leadership dysfunction, policy violations, and potential corruption that threatens to plunge the educational system further into chaos.
At the center of the crisis is Superintendent Momoh, who is accused of unilaterally entering into two major contracts without board approval, budgetary backing, or adherence to procurement laws. One contract, valued at US$1.2 million, was awarded to Ma Mus Group of Investment for 22,000 school chairs at US$55 each. The vendor has already delivered 6,500 chairs and is demanding payment of US$357,500. A second contract, signed with Kpeinja Ventures Inc. for US$451,150 worth of laboratory equipment, has left imported materials stranded at the Freeport of Monrovia for over 100 days. The supplier is currently requesting a partial payment of US$50,000 to avoid the goods being auctioned.
The Board also uncovered that Superintendent Momoh unilaterally hired an additional 500 volunteer teachers—raising the number from 104 to 604—without board authorization. This move has strained MCSS finances and contributed to waves of protest from both students and unpaid teaching staff. These protests culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 27 between the MCSS Teachers Association, the Ministry of Education, civil society groups, and the House of Representatives. The agreement mandates onboarding of verified teachers and salary adjustments by May 2025—commitments that remain unfulfilled.
Even more troubling, the Board referenced a letter from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) sent to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), identifying Superintendent Momoh and a senior staff member, Sonita Danga, as persons of interest in an alleged financial misappropriation probe. This development reportedly triggered the most recent teacher protest on April 14, during which school facilities were locked until police intervened.
Despite being asked in November 2024 to respond to allegations reported by Verity News under the headline “US$1.6M Corruption Scandal,” Superintendent Momoh failed to officially reply. Instead, he dismissed the claims as propaganda. However, he has since been unable to present a financial plan to cover the liabilities incurred under his administration, despite repeated board directives to do so.
The Board has therefore recommended that President Boakai immediately suspend both Momoh and his deputy to allow for an impartial investigation into their mutual accusations of corruption and insubordination. The Board has committed to submitting a recommended interim superintendent and coordinating with the Civil Service Agency to vet an acting assistant.
Additionally, the Board is calling for a full financial and operational audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and an urgent review of the unauthorized contracts to avoid potential litigation. Vendors are already pressing for payments, and failure to resolve these obligations could expose the government to lawsuits and public embarrassment.
“Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative that we do not leave these matters solely to the administration,” Chairman Siafa emphasized. He called for a high-level meeting with Minister Grigsby to discuss the outstanding financial obligations and teacher onboarding, warning that continued delays could force students back into the streets.
The Board has attached supporting documentation, including copies of contracts, a letter to President Boakai dated November 14, 2024, the FIU letter, and the March 27 MOU, to substantiate its concerns and recommendations.
