NATIONAL NEWS
MONRVIA – The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Liberia has released the findings of a special investigation into the handling of a presidential rice donation made to the Monrovia Central Prison on December 19, 2025.
The investigation was initiated following public concerns regarding the distribution and documentation of the donation. According to the report, the Special Investigation Panel found no evidence of rice theft connected to the presidential donation.
By: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr
The panel confirmed that all 100 bags of rice donated by the Office of the President were fully accounted for. Of that number, 75 bags were delivered to the Monrovia Central Prison, nine bagswere distributed to staff of the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR), and 16 bags remained in the custody of a BCR officer for subsequent distribution.
The investigation further established that the distribution of donations to BCR staff during festive periods is a longstanding practice, citing a similar distribution exercise carried out in July 2025.
However, the panel identified significant communication and coordination gaps within the BCR chain of command, which contributed to the public controversy surrounding the donation.
The report cleared the Assistant Director for Operations, Mr. Lawrence G. Bohlen, of any wrongdoing, concluding that he acted in line with decisions made by senior management and did not act independently or unlawfully.
Additionally, the panel determined that an audio recording which circulated publicly originated from within the BCR senior management structure and was released without authorization.
Based on its findings, the panel recommended strengthening internal communication within the BCR, improving documentation of senior management decisions, standardizing procedures for the receipt and distribution of donations, and implementing administrative measures to enhance record-keeping. The panel also called for the immediate reinstatement and clearance of Mr. Bohlen.
The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform, and stated that it will take appropriate steps to review and implement the panel’s recommendations to strengthen governance and operational integrity within the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
