By H. Matthew Turry
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) criticizes the Joseph Boakai administration for its recent appointments to the Complaints, Appeal, and Review Panel of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), accusing the government of undermining transparency and accountability.
In a scathing statement, CENTAL Executive Director said the appointments of Cllr. Sundaway E. Nelson Amagashie, Cllr. Vincent Smith, Cllr. Morris Davis, Mr. Ezekiel F. Nyumah, and Mr. Michael C.G George to the CARP panel “undermines transparency and accountability and an utter disregard of the work performed by the committee members, including LNBA, CSA, CENTAL and PPCC.”
The executive director further stated that the appointments amount to “business as usual” and serve to “frustrate and discourage not only successful candidates but the Eighty-four (84) applicants who exerted valuable time to participate in the recruitment process.”
Notably, the vacancy announcement for the CARP positions was published on the official Executive Mansion website, signaling an apparent attempt by the Boakai administration to comply with transparency and due diligence requirements.
In view of this “worrisome development,” CENTAL has called on President Boakai to recall the appointments of the individuals who were not independently vetted and recommended by the panel, in line with the relevant provisions of the amended PPCC Act of 2010.
“Commitment to the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts must be matched by the required actions, if Liberians and development partners must be confident that the president Boakai is truly committed to and respecting anti-corruption and other laws governing key sectors, institutions, activities, and processes,” the CENTAL executive director emphasized.
The organization stressed the importance of the President respecting the independence and sanctity of public integrity institutions, warning that actions that undermine public confidence in their leadership and work will not be tolerated.
