Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has cleared Ernest R. Hughes, managing director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), of all corruption allegations following a ministerial investigation. The decision, announced on April 24, 2026, concludes a probe launched in early April after concerns were raised about the LAA’s financial management, procurement practices, internal governance and operational performance.
The Ministry of Justice appointed a panel of experts to review the allegations. While Hughes was asked to step aside during the inquiry, the investigative team completed a comprehensive assessment and submitted its findings to the government. The report found no evidence of corrupt conduct but identified administrative and managerial shortcomings, including deficiencies in hiring procedures and a strained relationship between the LAA board of directors and senior management.
President Boakai ordered Hughes to resume his duties and instructed the LAA board and management to address the identified institutional challenges without delay. He also directed a review of the Liberia Airport Authority Act to clarify the respective roles of the board and executive management, eliminate ambiguities, and strengthen governance structures. The reform process is to be undertaken in close collaboration with LAA leadership, with progress reports required within a specified timeframe.
In a separate action, President Boakai suspended Assistant Minister for Research, Planning and Policy Josephine Greeves of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection without pay. The suspension follows Greeves’ indictment by the Grand Jury of Criminal Court “A” and is based on a request from the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force. The measure will remain in effect pending the outcome of court proceedings, reflecting the administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.
The president also announced new appointments to several public institution boards, including the Board of Trustees of William V. S. Tubman University, the board of Bong County University, and the Board of Directors of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI). In his remarks, Boakai urged all newly appointed officials to serve with integrity, diligence, and a renewed focus on Liberia’s national development priorities.
These developments underscore the government’s effort to reinforce transparency and efficiency within key state agencies while maintaining the rule of law in public service.
