By By: The People News Online
The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has voiced strong concern over President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to accept the resignation of Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar, former head of the Office of the Ombudsman, without enforcing penalties recommended by investigators.
CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen warned that the move undermines the fight against corruption and weakens public confidence in the country’s accountability system. He said choosing resignation over implementing findings—which included dismissal and possible prosecution—sends a troubling signal about the government’s commitment to transparency.
Karngar resigned amid allegations that he solicited financial benefits from his Special Assistant, including mobile phone scratch cards valued between US$30 and US$35 and a portion of the assistant’s salary. Investigators also determined his actions violated the National Code of Conduct, which his office is meant to enforce.
CENTAL further noted that Karngar has faced similar accusations in the past, including claims of receiving kickbacks from a landlord leasing property to his office, raising broader concerns about integrity within anti-corruption institutions.
The organization is now calling on the government to fully enforce the investigation’s recommendations, including restitution, administrative penalties, and possible criminal charges. It also urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to take over the case and keep the public informed on its progress.
