By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has completed its investigation into a sweeping corruption scandal at the Lofa County Community College (LCCC), revealing extensive financial misconduct involving the college’s President, Dr. Isaac Podah, and several top officials.
According to the LACC’s latest quarterly report, the investigation found evidence of payroll padding, unauthorized contractor payments, and the disbursement of funds to ghost employees. The total amount misappropriated exceeds US$410,000 and L$13.3 million.
Notably, over US$73,000 was reportedly paid to fictitious staff, while an additional US$337,000 was disbursed without supporting documentation or proof of service.
Dr. Podah is accused of overseeing a fraudulent payroll system and authorizing questionable expenditures—including a US$3,350 payment to Board Member Annie Markelee Flomo for an event that reportedly never occurred.
He also faces scrutiny for greenlighting a controversial textbook program alleged to have financially burdened students.
In addition, the LACC report notes that Dr. Podah allowed John Lake, a key player in his appointment, to hold dual roles—an apparent violation of the Liberian Code of Conduct.
Despite mounting public pressure from student groups, civil society organizations, and whistleblowers calling for his suspension, Dr. Podah remained in office throughout the investigation.
Meanwhile, other officials, including Human Resource Director Beyan M.M. Kamara and the college’s comptroller, were suspended for their involvement.
Dr. Podah has denied all allegations, describing the probe as a “personal vendetta” orchestrated by his critics.
