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By Myean D Torgbean
Monrovia — The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has defended its decision to issue clearance to several individuals previously investigated for corruption, saying the move followed the conclusion of investigations in which no sufficient evidence was found to support prosecution.
In a press statement released Monday, the Commission said recent public debate surrounding the clearances has been mischaracterized and politicized, particularly claims suggesting the action was taken to benefit a single individual.
According to the Commission, the issuance of clearance is a routine administrative procedure conducted after investigations are completed and when the available evidence does not establish wrongdoing or justify further legal action.
“The issuance of clearance is a standard administrative practice undertaken by the LACC following the conclusion of investigations where no evidence is found to establish wrongdoing or to support further legal action,” the Commission said in the statement.
The anti-graft body emphasized that the clearances were not limited to one person, but were granted to multiple individuals investigated at different times between 2024 and 2025.
Among those cleared by the Commission are Senator Nathaniel F. McGill in connection with the Ministry of State payroll padding investigation, Emma Metieh Glassco of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), and Sekou M. Kromah, along with several officials from various government agencies and institutions.
Others named include officials linked to investigations involving the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Rehabilitation Commission, the National Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, the Northwest Sanitation and Hygiene (NWASH) Commission, and the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA).
The Commission said its investigations established that some alleged acts, including payroll padding in the Ministry of State, did occur. However, it maintained that evidence gathered during the investigation did not directly implicate some of the individuals previously accused.
Despite the issuance of clearance, the LACC stressed that cases can still be reopened if new evidence emerges.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting its work independently and without political interference.
“Our mandate is to investigate allegations of corruption wherever they arise and ensure that matters are resolved strictly based on the evidence available,” the statement noted.
The LACC further urged the public and the media to avoid politicizing routine administrative actions, adding that such misinterpretations could undermine national efforts to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The Commission said it remains committed to enforcing Liberia’s anti-corruption laws and ensuring that all allegations of corruption are investigated thoroughly and professionally.
