Monrovia- Liberia’s funding local weather faces renewed scrutiny following allegations of fraud and prison deception in opposition to the Managing Director of the Nationwide Port Authority (NPA), Mr. Sekou Dukuly. Chinese language investor Yang Dan has accused the NPA boss of unlawfully seizing management of his multi-million-dollar mineral water enterprise and misappropriating over US$3 million meant for joint enterprise ventures.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The accusations have despatched shockwaves by way of the nation’s enterprise and political circles, rekindling issues about transparency, governance, and the therapy of international traders in Liberia.
Talking to reporters close to his manufacturing unit alongside the Bomi Freeway, Mr. Yang described what he known as “a calculated abuse of energy” that left him locked out of his firm.
“Sekou denied me entry to my manufacturing unit and kicked me out in a single day,” he stated, alleging that cops below Mr. Dukuly’s affect forcibly eliminated him from the premises.
Yang claims he invested over US$2.55 million right into a mineral water bottling plant and a further US$1 million towards a mining enterprise that by no means materialized.
He additional alleged that important parts of those funds have been diverted for Mr. Dukuly’s private use, together with luxurious purchases and personal property renovations.
Mr. Dukuly is reportedly below police investigation for alleged fraud and prison deception. Repeated makes an attempt to acquire feedback from each the NPA Managing Director and the Liberia Nationwide Police proved unsuccessful as of press time.
Yang’s authorized staff contends that the NPA head used his public place to intimidate and marginalize their consumer, undermining due course of regardless of an energetic court docket case regarding possession and administration of the corporate.
The dispute has reportedly turned violent. In Could 2025, Mr. Yang was allegedly assaulted in Monrovia, an assault his attorneys declare is linked to the continued enterprise feud. Police haven’t confirmed any arrests.
Wider Financial and Governance Implications
Enterprise leaders warn that the case might have a chilling impact on investor sentiment. “When senior public officers are accused of utilizing state affect to grab personal property, it damages Liberia’s fame as a secure vacation spot for funding,” enterprise advisor Cyrus Solo stated in a latest social media put up.
Economists and civil society teams have additionally expressed alarm, arguing that the controversy underscores long-standing weaknesses in Liberia’s governance and regulatory methods.
“If allegations of fraud and intimidation inside a key nationwide establishment just like the NPA go unchecked, it dangers eroding public belief and discouraging future traders,” a governance analyst famous.
Requires Due Course of and Accountability
Authorized consultants warning in opposition to drawing untimely conclusions, emphasizing that the presumption of innocence should prevail.
Nevertheless, additionally they stress the necessity for transparency and neutral adjudication.
“The courts should act swiftly and pretty to make sure justice for all events concerned,” one authorized practitioner informed reporters. “Something much less would ship the unsuitable message to each home and international traders.”
Mr. Yang has vowed to pursue justice by way of authorized means, insisting he won’t be intimidated.
“I’ll proceed to struggle till my enterprise is restored and people accountable are held accountable,” he stated.
In the meantime, each the Ministry of Commerce and Business and the Nationwide Port Authority have but to subject formal statements on the matter, additional fueling public skepticism.
Because the case unfolds, Liberia’s enterprise neighborhood and worldwide companions watch intently, conscious that the result might outline whether or not Liberia emerges as a reputable, investor-friendly economic system or one the place energy and affect overshadow the rule of regulation.
