The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has released its audit report on Nimba County, covering July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. The report reveals that over US$12 million and L$55 million are either unaccounted for or linked to major financial irregularities.
Some of the key findings show that over US$2.5 million and L$34.8 million were paid for goods and services without supporting documents. A company was paid US$500,000 for spare parts, but only supplied US$165,000 worth, leaving US$335,000 unaccounted for.
The report also noted that projects worth US$735,624 in nine districts were abandoned or left unfinished despite payments being made, while excess fuel purchases worth US$17,300 were made without approval.
It also added that more than US$5 million in financial differences were found between official reports and county records. According to the report, cheques worth US$29,492 remained uncashed after their legal validity period expired.
The GAC report further disclosed that financial assistance totaling US$444,100 was provided without evidence of how the money was used. It noted that personal income tax amounting to US$21,631 was not properly withheld and remitted to government accounts.
The report revealed that over US$457,914 and L$18.7 million were paid through third parties instead of directly to service providers, while irregularities were found in travel expenses totaling US$9,705 and L$1.6 million. Fixed asset management issues involved US$224,549, and no expenditure report was provided for US$1.48 million from the Social Development Fund contributed by ArcelorMittal Liberia.
The report added that metal scrap sales revenue worth US$849,318 showed financial irregularities as account receivables worth US$137,976 could not be properly accounted for. Account payables amounting to US$390,111 also showed irregularities.
Meanwhile, these findings have raised serious concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of Nimba County’s finances. Residents of Nimba County are pointing accusing fingers at two former Superintendents of the county, including former Superintendent D. Dorr Cooper and Nelson Korquoi.
