Monrovia – FrontPage Africa has obtained paperwork displaying that the Unity Social gathering (UP)-led authorities entered into secret severance agreements value US$100,000 every with two suspended commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) to facilitate their resignation, regardless of ongoing corruption allegations.
The 2 officers, Israel Akinsanya and Zotawon D. Titus and have been amongst a number of LTA Commissioners suspended by President Joseph Boakai in April 2024, following accusations of economic impropriety and mismanagement. Others suspended included Chairperson Edwina Zackpah, James Gbarwea, and Osborne Ok. Diggs.
Whereas it stays unclear whether or not all 5 commissioners acquired related gives, earlier FrontPage Africa reporting in August 2024 revealed that the performing management at LTA—backed by the Govt—was proposing “enticing” monetary settlements to the suspended officers, assuring them they might not face investigation after the Common Auditing Fee (GAC) report.
Leaked Paperwork Verify Secret Settlement
The paperwork reviewed by FPA affirm that the LTA, below the signature of then-Performing Chairperson Abdullah Kamara, agreed to pay every of the suspended commissioners US$100,000 in 4 equal installments all through the 2025 fiscal yr. The funds have been to be tax-free, with the primary installment disbursed upon signing. Moreover, the officers have been allowed to maintain private property—together with laptops and mills—used throughout their tenure, with a imprecise requirement to return telecommunications knowledge saved on the gadgets.
The agreements additionally included authorized immunity clauses. One excerpt from the discharge reads:
“It’s understood and agreed that this Launch/Receipt Doc is executed by me in favor of the LTA, releasing the Board of Commissioners, Administration, and successors from all liabilities arising out of or linked with my providers on the LTA and bars any declare or civil go well with which I’ll have now or sooner or later linked with and/or arising from my providers.”
Incoming Chair Denies Data of Offers
The revelation contradicts statements made by Clarence Massaquoi, Chairperson-Designate of the LTA, throughout his Senate affirmation listening to. Massaquoi denied information of any settlement contracts between the Authorities of Liberia and the suspended commissioners, regardless of acknowledging that “discussions” had occurred.
He acknowledged, “Board choices are taken in boardrooms by decision. I noticed copies of resignations and, in these letters, I don’t see circumstances set in.” He admitted consciousness of conversations surrounding the commissioners’ exit however harassed, “Earlier than me, I’ve no contracts. This Board has not acquired a contract.”
Pressed by lawmakers, Massaquoi emphasised that he couldn’t validate any offers signed by the suspended performing Chairperson, Abdullah Kamara.
Constitutional Questions and Courtroom Rulings
Below the 2007 Telecommunications Act, LTA Commissioners are granted fastened four-year tenures, renewable as soon as. The Act prohibits their elimination with out trigger earlier than the expiration of their phrases. In February 2024, President Boakai tried to appoint new commissioners whereas the earlier ones have been nonetheless serving—a transfer dominated unconstitutional by the Supreme Courtroom in April.
Regardless of the ruling, Boakai swiftly suspended the commissioners—those that received in court docket included—citing pending audits. Critics seen this as a deliberate effort to bypass the Supreme Courtroom’s choice. Subsequent reviews alleged that the federal government quietly supplied monetary incentives for the commissioners to step apart and create room for brand new appointments.
Commissioners Verify Offers in Letter to Senate
Additional confirming the key settlements, suspended commissioners Akinsanya and Titus wrote to the Senate President Professional Tempore, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, stating that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LTA’s performing management in December 2024.
“The target of the MOU was to settle our funds to pave the best way for the official appointment of these performing,” they wrote. “Sadly, the performing board has not honored its aspect of the settlement. In the event that they fail to honor the deal, then no emptiness exists. That’s the mutual consent they should respect.”
Public Outrage and Credibility Disaster for Boakai
The revelation has sparked a public outcry, with residents and critics accusing the Boakai administration of hypocrisy and undermining its acknowledged anti-corruption agenda.
“That is an act of bribery,” mentioned activist Jeremiah Smith in a social media submit. “You droop individuals on corruption allegations and secretly pay them to resign. That’s not preventing corruption—that’s facilitating it. Everybody concerned ought to be held accountable.”
The incident raises troubling questions on President Boakai’s dedication to transparency and rule of legislation, particularly as he continues to advertise a “zero tolerance” stance on corruption.
