Monrovia, Liberia—The Nimba County audit report, which covers the period from July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023, has been released by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). Over US$12 million and L$55 million are either unaccounted for or connected to significant financial irregularities, according to the investigation. Over US$2.5 million and L$34.8 million were paid for goods and services without supporting documentation, according to some of the major findings. Only US$165,000 worth of spare parts were provided by a company that was paid US$500,000, leaving US$335,000 unaccounted for.
According to the audit, excess fuel purchases totaling US$17,300 were made without authorization, and projects totaling US$735,624 in nine districts were either abandoned or left unfinished despite payments. It further stated that there were financial discrepancies between county records and official reports totaling more than US$5 million. The investigation states that checks totaling US$29,492 were not cashed after their legal validity period ended.
The GAC study also revealed that US$444,100 in financial aid was given without any proof of its use. It said that US$21,631 in personal income tax was improperly withheld and transferred to government accounts. In addition to inconsistencies in travel expenses totaling US$9,705 and L$1.6 million, the audit showed that approximately US$457,914 and L$18.7 million were paid through third parties rather than directly to service providers. US$224,549 was involved in fixed asset management concerns, while US$1.48 million from ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Social Development Fund did not have a spending report.
The audit also stated that account receivables of US$137,976 could not be accurately accounted for, indicating financial irregularities in metal scrap sales revenue of US$849,318. There were additional anomalies in the US$390,111 in account payables. These results have sparked grave worries about the transparency and accountability of Nimba County’s financial management. Nimba County citizens and residents are alleging that two former county superintendents, Nelson Korquoi and D. Dorr Cooper are responsible.
