Pres. Boakai Suspends Two Top Gov’t Officials, Pending Investigation

Friday, June 27, 2025

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has with immediate effect suspended Mr. Arthur S. Massaquoi from his duties as Director-General of the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE). This decision follows credible reports of financial and administrative malpractices allegedly committed under Mr. Massaquoi's leadership. President Boakai says his action is intended to safeguard the integrity of an ongoing investigation being undertaken by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) into the reported irregularities. The suspension also aims to ensure the uninterrupted and smooth functioning of the Bureau during this critical period. In the interim, Mr. Massaquoi is directed to turn over all government properties and responsibilities to the Deputy Director for Administration, Hon. Varlee F. Sanor, who will serve as Acting Director-General pending the outcome of the investigation. The President has urged Mr. Massaquoi to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities and refrain from any form of interference in the operations of the Bureau. This decisive step, the Liberian Leader said, underscores his Administration's commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in public service.

Meanwhile, President Boakai has taken decisive action in response to serious allegations of financial and administrative improprieties at the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA). In two separate communications dated June 25, 2025, the President suspended Mr. Christopher D. Sankolo, Director-General of LACRA, and Mr. Chea B. Garley, Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance. The suspensions remain in effect pending the outcome of ongoing investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and an audit requested by the President to be conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). “These actions are being taken in the interest of transparency, accountability, and good governance,” President Boakai noted in the letters. The Liberian Leader further directed the suspended officials to immediately turn over all institutional properties, assets, and responsibilities to appointed interim officials. Honorable Dan Torkamawon Saryee, Sr. has been designated as Interim Director-General of LACRA, while Honorable Adolphus Forkpa will serve as Interim Deputy Director General for Administration and Finance. The President reaffirms his Administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and reiterated that all public officials will be held to the highest standards of integrity and public service.