By Sara Camara
Monrovia, Liberia – In a decisive move to combat corruption, financial fraud and irregularities, the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), under the leadership of Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, has initiated a series of investigations that have uncovered a widespread fraud syndicate operating within the city government. The MCC today issued a statement refuting recent media reports, gossips, and a misinformation campaign deemed inaccurate and misleading, while confirming the ongoing and escalating efforts to root out corruption and ensure responsible financial management and a resident-focused service delivery system.
Mayor Siafa officially authorized the investigations following growing internal concerns. The probe has revealed a complex web of fraudulent activities, including alleged fake deposits into MCC accounts, impersonation and extortion scams targeting local businesses, and the unlawful collection of revenue. These activities have resulted in significant financial losses, impacting the city’s ability to effectively deliver essential services.
One key case involves the submission of fraudulent bank deposit slips to the MCC Revenue Director. The slips seemingly indicated payments totaling large sums in both USD and LD from four businesses into the MCC’s Ecobank account. These fraudulent slips prompted requests for official MCC receipts. However, the investigation revealed that the funds were never actually deposited. Suspiciously, one of the bank slips shared a serial number with another, raising immediate alarm. The implicated staff member was suspended on April 16, 2025, and the Liberia National Police (LNP) is now investigating the matter.
Another startling discovery involves five MCC employees allegedly engaged in impersonation, falsification, and extortion. The investigation uncovered that counterfeit Solid Waste Inspection letters were being issued to businesses prior to the official distribution of legitimate letters from the Director General of Environmental Health and Sanitation. Further investigation revealed that on January 17, 2025, two of these employees were apprehended separately while distributing fake inspection letters, reportedly with the intent to extort money from business operators. These employees have also been suspended and are being investigated by the Police.
The MCC has also addressed persistent allegations of payroll theft. Over recent months, management received numerous complaints from employees reporting unauthorized deductions from their salaries. An internal investigation pinpointed fraudulent manipulation of the payroll system allegedly perpetrated by individuals within the finance department. The investigation further revealed that these individuals were allegedly receiving extra monthly salary payments through a fraudulent payroll, in addition to illegally deducting from other staff members’ paychecks. The internal audit revealed that between January and April 2025, approximately LRD 2,161,828.17 and USD 21,000 were illicitly withdrawn from the institution’s accounts. The involved staff members have been suspended, and both the Liberian National Police and the MCC’s Internal Audit Department have been notified to conduct thorough investigations.
“These investigations underscore our unwavering dedication to upholding integrity, honesty, and responsible public financial management,” Mayor Siafa stated. “We will not tolerate any actions that defraud the city and its residents.”
The Monrovia City Corporation firmly maintains that any information to the contrary is unfounded and a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts. The MCC acknowledges that these reform initiatives have faced resistance and, according to the statement, misleading media narratives designed to distract from the ongoing process.
Varney Diggs, the director of the Department of Press and Public Affairs of the Monrovia City Corporation reiterated Mayor Siafa’s commitment to rectifying these issues and ensuring accountability within the institution. The investigations are ongoing, and the MCC pledges to continue working with law enforcement to bring those responsible for these fraudulent activities to justice.
Meanwhile, Monrovia residents and staff of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) are praising Mayor John-Charuk Siafa for his decisive action to tackle and eliminate corruption within the MCC. This comes on the heels of a widely praised human resources and personnel reform initiative, signaling a new era of transparency and accountability within the city government.
For years, the MCC has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement, poor and unstructured service delivery, and corrupt practices, hindering its ability to effectively serve the residents of Monrovia. Recognizing this, Mayor Siafa, since assuming office, has made personnel reform, workforce training as well as fighting corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability within the framework of a clearly defined system structure a cornerstone of his administration.
“We are committed to building a city government that is responsive, efficient, and accountable to the people of Monrovia,” Mayor Siafa stated in a recent address. “Corruption has no place in this administration, and we will take all necessary measures to root it out.”
The recent human resources and personnel reform, spearheaded by Mayor Siafa, has been instrumental in creating a more professional and ethical environment at the MCC. The reform included a comprehensive review of staff qualifications, implementation of standardized procedures for recruitment and promotion, and the establishment of a clear code of conduct for all employees.
The mayor’s personnel reform also included securing international and local training opportunities for dozens of MCC staff to study at home and abroad including to India, Japan and Ghana and securing scholarships for several young residents of the city to study abroad as well as facilitating short-term basic training programs for some staff in a few Liberian institutions.
“The reform has been a breath of fresh air,” said a long-serving MCC employee who wished to remain anonymous. “For the first time, we feel like our hard work is being recognized and that there are genuine opportunities for advancement based on merit, not connections.”
Residents have also expressed their support for Mayor Siafa’s efforts. “We have been hearing about corruption at the MCC for years,” said Madam Yassah, a market vendor in central Monrovia. “It’s good to see someone finally taking action to clean things up. We hope this is just the beginning.”
Before entering government, Mayor Siafa established himself as a prominent figure in the corporate world, renowned for his strategic leadership and proven ability to transform businesses into thriving enterprises. These experiences have equipped him with a unique perspective on efficiency, innovation, and resource management, skills he intends to apply to the challenges facing the city government.
Local business leaders have expressed optimism about Mayor Siafa’s potential to revitalize the city’s economy. The new mayor, in office a year now, has already announced several initiatives aimed at streamlining city operations through the establishment and operations of a One-Stop Center at City Hall, attracting new businesses, and improving city planning and infrastructure.
While challenges remain, the positive momentum generated by Mayor Siafa’s leadership is undeniable. The ongoing reforms and renewed focus on accountability as well as efforts to create a system that works are fostering a sense of hope that the MCC can finally shed its corrupt image and effectively serve the residents of Monrovia. Already, two different cohorts of MCC staff have been to India for short-term training and about twenty young residents of the city will be traveling to China this year for undergraduate and graduate education.
The success of Mayor Siafa’s anti-corruption drive, transparency and accountability push will be crucial in building public trust and attracting much-needed investment to the city. Moving forward, consistent monitoring, ongoing training, and continued commitment from the administration will be essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of these positive changes.
