The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) Tuesday dismissed two senior officials and suspended several others, following an investigation into the unauthorized removal and illegal sale of eleven government-owned vehicles.
The dismissals, announced by NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, affected George Watson, Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for Administration and Pewee Quaqua, Director of Logistics.
Others affected by Dr. Nyan’s action include, Darlington Bah, Deputy Director for Logistics, has been indefinitely suspended, while three drivers, Alexander Jisay, Jerome Ponney, and Kennedy Gayflor, received three-month suspensions respectively, without pay.
The decision follows the findings of a seven-member investigative committee, comprising representatives from the Liberia National Police, the Internal Audit Agency, and NPHIL’s senior management team.
The investigation uncovered evidence of 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 Tuesday, January 14, Dr. Nyan reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating corruption within the institution.
“Corruption will have no place at the NPHIL under my watch, as this may undermine the progress we are making here. We will strive to maintain the integrity and standards of the NPHIL,” Dr. Nyan said.
The investigative committee has also recommended to President Joseph Boakai the dismissal of Dr. Adams K. Lincoln, Deputy Director General for Administration, for allegedly masterminding the scheme.
Corruption will have no place at the NPHIL under my watch, as this may undermine the progress we are making here. We will strive to maintain the integrity and standards of the institution.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General, National Public Health Institute of Liberia
Dr. Lincoln is accused of creating fake GSA documents to claim an NPHIL vehicle for personal use and facilitating the unlawful removal and disposal of government assets.
The terminated employees have been referred to the Ministry of Justice for further legal action, including the restitution of the stolen government properties.
Dr. Nyan has called on the NPHIL Board of Directors and the Ministry of Justice, to support the leadership’s efforts to combat corruption and protect the integrity of the institution.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nyan has emphasized the need to align these actions with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes accountability and transparency in governance.
Following a review of the matter, we wish to inform you that the documents presented in this instance have been verified as falsified and do not reflect legitimate GSA transactions. Furthermore, the removal of the assets in question was not conducted in accordance with GSA’s established disposal methods and the laws governing such actions. To address this matter, the GSA has initiated an internal investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this fraudulent activity. Administrative actions will be taken against any individuals found culpable.
Hon. Galakpai W. Kortimai, Director General, General Service Agency
GSA staff linked to theft too?
Also, in a communication addressed to the Director General of the GSA, Galakpai Kortimai on January 13, NPHIL sought inquiry to ascertain the validity of the documents presented to GSA regarding the vehicles amid allegations that a staff of GSA, Mr. Franklin Philiku, was part of the syndicate.
“In recent times our institution has been investigating the unauthorized removal of vehicles and alleged sales of said vehicles and other government assets by some staff of the NPHIL in conjunction with a GSA staff, Mr. Franklin Philiku, a communication from NPHIL noted.
“During our investigation, multiple testimonies under oath implicated Mr. Franklin Philiku in facilitating the unauthorized removal of the vehicles from the PHIL, the preparation of the attached documents, and the sales of the vehicles.”
In response to the communication, GSA wrote: “Following a review of the matter, we wish to inform you that the documents presented in this instance have been verified as falsified and do not reflect legitimate GSA transactions. Furthermore, the removal of the assets in question was not conducted in accordance with SA’s established disposal methods and the laws governing such actions.”
The GSA added it has initiated an internal investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this fraudulent activity, adding that administrative actions will be taken against any individuals found culpable.
