The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has taken decisive action against corruption, dismissing two senior officials and suspending several others following an investigation into the illegal sale of government-owned vehicles.
The dismissals, announced by NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan on Tuesday, affected George Watson, Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for Administration and Pewee Quaqua, Director of Logistics.
Additionally, Darlington Bah, Deputy Director for Logistics, has been indefinitely suspended, while drivers Alexander Jisay, Jerome Ponney, and Kennedy Gayflor received three-month suspensions without pay.
The actions stem from findings by a seven-member investigative committee comprising representatives from the Liberia National Police, the Internal Audit Agency, and NPHIL’s senior management team.
The committee uncovered fraudulent activities, including the use of forged General Service Agency (GSA) documents to facilitate the illegal sale and personal appropriation of NPHIL vehicles.
In a press statement issued on January 14, Dr. Nyan reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating corruption within the institution. “Corruption will have no place at NPHIL under my watch, as this may undermine the progress we are making here.
We will strive to maintain the integrity and standards of NPHIL,” he said.
The investigation also implicated Dr. Adams K. Lincoln, Deputy Director General for Administration, as the alleged mastermind of the scheme.
Dr. Lincoln is accused of creating fake GSA documents to claim an NPHIL vehicle for personal use and facilitating the illegal removal and disposal of government assets.
The committee has recommended his dismissal to President Joseph Boakai.
The dismissed employees have been referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution and the restitution of stolen government properties.
Dr. Nyan has called on NPHIL’s Board of Directors and the Ministry of Justice to support the institution’s efforts to combat corruption and uphold its integrity.
NPHIL has also sought clarification from the GSA regarding the forged documents.
In a letter dated January 13, the agency noted that Mr. Franklin Philiku, a GSA staff member, was allegedly involved in the syndicate.
The GSA confirmed the documents were falsified and stated that the asset removals did not comply with its established procedures or Liberian law.
In response, the GSA has launched its own internal investigation and promised administrative actions against culpable individuals.
Dr. Nyan emphasized that the institution’s anti-corruption measures align with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes accountability and transparency in governance.
“This is a critical step in ensuring public trust and preserving the integrity of our institution,” Dr. Nyan said.
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