-Cummings Demands Probe
Alexander Benedict Cummings, political leader of the Alternative National Congress, ANC, has petitioned the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, LACC, asking the Commission to investigate procedures that led to the construction of the Mano River Union Center for Regional Peace and Development in Foya, Lofa County.
In an official communication addressed to the LACC, the ANC political leader noted that public disclosures, conflicting government’s statements and media reports have raised more questions than answers about the legality, transparency and accountability of the multi-million dollar project.
The ANC leader says he suspects that significant public funds may have been committed and spent outside the approved national budget and without legislative appropriation in possible violation of the Public Financial Management Act and Article 34 of Liberia’s Constitution.
Cummings also assumes that the project may have bypassed mandatory procurement and competitive bidding procedures required under the Public Procurement and Concessions Act.
Quoted by the statement, the opposition politician and businessman said construction works on the project began around September 10, 2024, and was described by multiple sources as a “National Secret” initiative.
The government itself has since acknowledged that the project is fully owned by the Government of Liberia and financed primarily through contributions from State-Owned Enterprises, including NASSCORP, the National Port Authority, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
The ANC Leader said contradictory public statements about the project’s ownership; funding sources, purpose, and total cost have undermined public trust and raised suspicion of potential abuse of public office and misuse of state resources.
He is asking the LACC to launch a full-scale investigation into the financing, procurement, contracting, and implementation of the project to determine whether any laws were violated; identify all officials, contractors, and institutions involved.
Cummings said such investigation will also examine financial transfers, procurement records, urging the Commission to recommend appropriate actions if violations are found and to publish the findings for public perusal and scrutiny.
