Africa-Press – Liberia. The Joint Public Accounts, Expenditures and Audit Committee (PAC) of the National Legislature has recommended the prosecution and restitution of public funds allegedly misapplied by former government officials.
The Committee said individuals implicated in multiple audit reports released by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) should also be barred from holding public office, citing serious allegations of corruption and financial malpractice.
The Joint Committee—comprising members of both the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate—reached its conclusions following a series of public hearings into audit reports covering twelve government entities.
The audits reviewed include the Compliance Audit of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) for the period ending June 30, 2021; the Financial Statements Audit of the Côte d’Ivoire–Liberia–Sierra Leone–Guinea Rural Electrification (CLSG-RE) Project (June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2022); and the Management Letter on the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC) for the period 2016–2019.
Other reports examined include audits of river-sand mining regulations (2016–2021), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Center (LOIC), the Bong County Social Development Fund, the National Road Fund (NRF), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), the Liberia Road Asset Management Project (LIBRAMP), the National Transit Authority (NTA), and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
According to the Committee, its consolidated report underwent extensive validation processes involving the GAC, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and other integrity institutions, along with follow-ups with audited entities where necessary.
“The Committee recommends that the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) ensures robust implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations on internal control issues and reports progress to both the Auditor General and the Committee,” the report stated.
It further directed that all funds identified for restitution be deposited into the Government of Liberia Recovery Account at the Central Bank of Liberia, with proof of payment submitted to both the PAC Chair and the Auditor General.
The Committee emphasized that cases involving financial irregularities with legal implications should be pursued by the Ministry of Justice and the LACC in line with their statutory mandates.
Additionally, it recommended that officials found in serious breach of the law be barred from public service for a period to be determined. Those currently serving in government despite being implicated should be dismissed following due process.
The report is expected to be submitted to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for possible action.
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