Battle of Integrity: LICPA Defends Academic Authority amidst Social Media Storm

Liberia: Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA) recently faced public scrutiny when a Facebook post by Martin Kollie triggered a controversy challenging the institution's academic authority. Kollie alleged that LICPA, underlining it as a membership-based organization, lacked the capability to academically confer the prestigious CPA designation.

President Victor Tanwone, however, stood firm against these allegations. In a press conference held at the LICPA headquarters, he addressed the media with a resounding assertion, "Our institution holds the authority to grant the CPA designation to anyone seeking this professional accolade." This declaration challenged Kollie's narrative, exposing a deeper layer to the unfolding drama.

Recently President George Manneh Weah has nominated Dr. Samora P. Z. Wolokolie Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), to replace the late Thomas Doe Nah who occupied the position since 2020 and passed last month following a period of illness.
Following the nomination by President Samora had provided many credentials that make him fit for the position that also include professional certifications: CFE, CPA, FCFIP, FFA-UK, FIPA (Aus.), and CA.

Count 2 of Kollie post quotes “Y’all tell him to remove “CPA” (Certified Public Accountant) because LICPA has no authority to award/grant any CPA. Samora’s so-called “CPA” is from the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA). Again, it is membership-based and not academically earned’’.

The post furthered, y’all tell him to remove FCFIP too. There’s no certification in accountancy called “FCFIP” (Fellow Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals). This is a dubious online fellowship claiming to be in Kenya. It’s also membership-based. They don’t even have a website.
Contrary to Kollie's insinuation that LICPA lacks global recognition, Tanwone dropped a bombshell, revealing the institute's international standing. LICPA had joined forces with the national accounting bodies of Ghana and Nigeria to champion the Accounting Technicians Scheme, West Africa. This collaboration showcased LICPA's commitment to professional excellence on a regional scale, debunking any claims of isolation.

Established in 1933 and reactivated in the 1980s, LICPA has evolved into Liberia's national Professional Accounting Organization (PAO). Despite challenges during the civil war, the institute has persisted, becoming a full-fledged member of the Accounting Bodies of West Africa.
As the controversy raged, LICPA's President took the opportunity to commend President-elect Joseph Boakai for his unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency in managing public resources.

Tanwone emphasized the need for the incoming administration to appoint professional LICPA members as chief financial officers in key government positions. "This ensures a foundation of professionalism and transparency in the crucial task of managing public resources," he remarked.