Monrovia โ The President of Lofa County College (LCU), Dr. Isaac P. Podah is dealing with mounting stress to step apart as an investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee (LACC) nears its conclusion. College students, whistleblowers, and civil society actors are demanding his fast suspension, citing double requirements and the necessity to protect the integrity of the continued probe.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The LACC is investigating a wide-ranging corruption scandal at Lofa County College involving allegations of ghost workers, payroll padding, questionable monetary practices, and conflicts of curiosity.
The probe reportedly contains eight formal expenses towards Dr. Podah, different college officers, and members of the Board of Trustees.
Critics say the administrationโs dealing with of the scandal has been inconsistent and unfair. Whereas the collegeโs Human Useful resource Director, Mr. Beyan M.M. Kamara and the Comptroller have each been suspended indefinitely, Dr. Podah continues to function president with out being suspended whereas present process investigation. ย
This disparity has raised eyebrows, with college students and whistleblower Kemon Kamara, who introduced most of the allegations to gentle, calling for Dr. Podahโs suspension till the investigation concludes.
โHow can the top of an establishment be below investigation for critical monetary misconduct but stay in workplace whereas others are despatched dwelling?โ one of many involved college students spoke on situation of anonymity.
โWe wish transparency. We wish equity. That is about the way forward for our college.โ
Diverted Funds and Political Ties
Sources near the investigation revealed that Dr Podah admitted throughout questioning by LACC investigators {that a} portion of an unaccounted-for US$55,471 from the Central Test account was diverted to the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Basis, the place he’s allegedly a member and political supporter.
This revelation has fueled suspicion that Dr. Podahโs shut ties to President Boakai, additionally a local of Lofa County, could also be shielding him from being suspended whereas present process investigation.
โIt seems the legislation is being selectively utilized,โ Kamara stated.
โDr. Podah continues to be in cost whereas these beneath him are penalized. Thatโs not the justice the President or the Legal professional Normal has promised.โ
In a proper letter to Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Kamara referenced a Might 26, 2025 radio interview during which the minister said that it’s within the authoritiesโs greatest curiosity to droop officers below investigation for corruption.
โI urge you to behave in keeping with your individual public dedication,โ Kamara wrote. โDr. Podah stays in workplace regardless of critical allegations, which undermines the credibility of the investigation.โ
Allegations at a Look
Dr. Podah is accused of overseeing a system of ghost workers and inflated payrolls, authorizing a controversial $3,350 fee to Board Member Annie Markelee Flomo for a retreat that allegedly by no means occurred during which insiders claimed, the funds have been as an alternative used to cowl Range Visa functions for her kids, facilitating a guide gross sales program that reportedly exploits college students with overpriced and necessary guide purchases and enabling John Lake, a member of the vetting committee that advisable Podahโs appointment, to carry twin administrative roles at LCU, contravening Liberiaโs Code of Conduct.
Regardless of the allegations, Dr. Podah, a letter suspending HR Director Beyan Kamara, Dr. Podah cited findings from an inner audit and a report from Liberiaโs Controller and Accountant Normal, Hon. Elwood T. Netty.
The suspension he wrote, was vital โto uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability.โ
Nonetheless, college students and college argue that the identical logic should apply to Dr. Podah himself, particularly given the severity of the allegations and the general public curiosity concerned.
Dr. Podah has since. Responded to the allegations, during which he dismissed them as โa private vendettaโ by Kamara following his demotion.
โHeโs bitter as a result of I refused to work with him,โ he stated. โLet the reality come out. Weโre not afraid.โ
Podah confirmed authorizing the $3,350 fee to Flomo however claimed it was carried out below the directive of the collegeโs board. He additionally denied involvement in legislative hiring schemes.
Board Stays Silent
The Board of Trustees of Lofa County College has but to challenge a public assertion. Sources say the board is split, with some members pushing for a full accounting of the scandal, whereas others have allegedly pressured Kamara to cease talking out.
In the meantime, college students are once more intending to prepare peaceable demonstrations to demand institutional reform, transparency, and equal software of justice, particularly when Dr. Podah remained unsuspended.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee has confirmed its investigation and receipt of a proper criticism. Whereas the fee has not launched particular findings, officers say the probe is nearing completion.
