CENTAL Calls for Stronger Anti-Corruption Action as Boakai Faces Pressure Over Handling of Key Cases
March 17, 2026
Monrovia: The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia has called on President Joseph Boakai to demonstrate stronger political will in the fight against corruption, urging a more consistent and decisive approach in addressing allegations involving senior government officials.
CENTAL Executive Director, Anderson Miamen expressed concern over recent corruption allegations involving key figures within Liberia’s integrity institutions while a statement on Tuesday in Monrovia.
According to Miamen, the organization is particularly troubled by the handling of the case involving former Ombudsman Chairperson, Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar, who was accused in an investigative report of extorting over US$2,000 from his Special Assistant and soliciting other benefits.
“Given the gravity of the allegations and the findings of the investigative report, the President should have taken stronger action beyond accepting the resignation,” Miamen stated. 
He noted that while President Boakai accepted Karngar’s resignation, the failure to publicly acknowledge the investigative findings or enforce recommended sanctions sends a weak signal in the fight against corruption.
CENTAL warned that such actions could undermine public trust, especially when individuals responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct are themselves accused of violating it.
Miamen further highlighted another high-profile case involving Ernest Hughes, Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), who is accused of soliciting a 15 percent kickback tied to the approval of a US$1 million payment to a contractor at Roberts International Airport.
He pointed out that although the LAA Board recommended Hughes’ suspension and investigation, the official instead proceeded on a leave of absence, which was accepted by the Executive Mansion pending a probe by the Ministry of Justice.
“This trend raises serious concerns about inconsistency in the government’s response to corruption allegations,” Miamen emphasized.
CENTAL is now calling on the government to adopt a uniform approach in handling corruption cases, ensuring that all individuals regardless of status are subjected to the same level of scrutiny and accountability.
The organization also urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Justice to conduct thorough investigations and keep the public informed of outcomes.
Reaffirming CENTAL’s commitment to promoting integrity and transparency, Miamen stressed that public officials must uphold the highest ethical standards.
“We call on the President to be more robust in handling corruption matters and ensure that those accused are treated equally under the law,” he concluded.
