The President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Madam Edwina C. Zackpah, Israel Akinsanya, Zotawon D. Titus, James Gbarwea, and Osborne K. Diggs, Chairperson and Commissioners respectively of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) for allegations of questionable financial transactions and other malpractices at the Authority.
However, Presidential Press Secretary Kola Fofana says the action by the President is not a witch-hunt as being perceived in the public.
The Liberian leader also suspended Garrison Yealue, Chairperson, and Madam Elizabeth Dorkin, Commissioner of the Governance Commission with immediate effect for activities inconsistent with the Act creating the institution.
He has further established a committee to investigate the matter and present a report, indicating his commitment to transparency and accountability.
President Boakai has asked the suspended officials to cooperate fully with the investigating team as this is in line with his commitment to fairness, accountability, and justice.
President Boakai Suspension came just two days after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of some tenure officials.
The President has requested a comprehensive audit of the LTA by the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
He urged the suspended officials to cooperate fully with the GAC as they undertake the investigation.
The Liberian Leader expressed confidence that the investigation would reveal any financial impropriety and help identify corrective measures to prevent such recurrences in the future.
Speaking with reporters Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, Fofana said the decision by President Boakai to suspend tenure officials at the LTA and GC is meant to fight corruption in government as well as transparency and accountability in the public sector.
“The LTA is a critical institution responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector in the country and the institution should uphold high standards of integrity and accountability in carrying out its mandate,” she added.
Fofana explained that the suspension of the Chairperson and Commissioners is a clear indication of the President’s confidence in his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the LTA operates in the best interest of the Liberian people. She emphasized that the Government is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in all sectors.
