The Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), Julius K. Sele, has been summoned by the Liberian Senate to account for the reported misappropriation of US$675,000 intended for legislative project assessments.
The Senate took the decision during its regular session on Thursday, June 3, held on the grounds of the Capitol Building. Lawmakers are seeking clarity on how the funds were spent, the specific counties involved, and the status of the intended projects.
According to the Senate, the funds were allocated for assessing legislative development projects across the country. However, reports suggest that no project assessments were completed, nor were any infrastructure developments initiated.
The probe follows an investigative report by the Verity Newspaper, which revealed that the funds were allegedly expended during a series of consultations and tours in just six counties: Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Grand Gedeh, and Lofa — all of which are considered relatively accessible.
The Verity exposé further alleged that despite the significant expenditure, there is no evidence of tangible outcomes, such as completed assessments or physical infrastructure.
The Senate’s inquiry is being led by the Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, which is expected to thoroughly examine the financial activities surrounding the LACE-led initiative.
