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Monrovia- George Yarngo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Commission (NWASHC), has been apprehended by agents of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in what is viewed as a dramatic turn of events.
By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231
The arrest on Wednesday, March 19, followed his failure to appear before the LACC in response to serious allegations of financial misconduct.
According to an LACC document, Mr. Yarngo was formally summoned by the anti-corruption body on March 13, in relation to allegations involving the mismanagement of public funds at the NWASHC.
The LACC had called Mr. Yarngo to answer for financial improprieties, including the misappropriation of significant amounts allocated for operational expenses.
The allegations suggest that between January and June 2024, a total of USD 20,000 was earmarked for fuel purchases for the entity’s standby generator.
However, no fuel was reportedly purchased, and the funds remain unaccounted for.
Further claims state that Mr. Yarngo authorized the disbursement of USD 6,000 for generator maintenance, but no repairs were made, and again, the funds are untraceable.
Additional allegations concern the disbursement of USD 30,000, intended for purchasing cleaning materials and hiring a fumigation firm for the office.
However, the LACC investigation found no evidence that the materials were ever procured or services rendered.
Despite the official invitation to meet with LACC officials, Yarngo failed to attend the scheduled meeting on March 17, leading to escalating tensions.
Sources indicate that attempts to contact him directly were met with defiant and dismissive responses, prompting the LACC to take more direct action.
However, on Wednesday, March 19, LACC agents, supported by police forces, entered the premises of the NWASHC and detained Mr. Yarngo.
The details surrounding his arrest remain unclear, but the LACC’s actions signal the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.
The LACC’s formal letter of invitation, dated March 13, emphasized the urgency of the investigation and urged Mr. Yarngo to appear with legal counsel and relevant documentation.
However, his non-compliance has now led to his detention and further scrutiny of his role in the alleged financial misconduct.
Cllr. Alexandra Kormah Zoe, the Executive Chairperson of the LACC, in her communication to Yarngo, expressed the Commission’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in government institutions.
The LACC’s investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether further actions will be taken as the case develops.
The arrest of Mr. Yarngo adds to a growing list of corruption-related investigations in Liberia, underscoring the LACC’s increasing efforts to hold public officials accountable for the proper use of state resources.
As the situation unfolds, the public eagerly awaits more information on the next steps in this high-profile case.
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