Controversy Erupts at Liberia Airport Authority Over Alleged Nepotism
Margibi County, Liberia: A new controversy has emerged surrounding the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), as prominent activist Elder Gabriel Monger Zarwea has accused the authority’s Managing Director, Jero Mends cole, of engaging in nepotism and compromising transparency.
In an open letter to President Joseph N. Boakai, dated March 18, 2025, Zarwea raised concerns about Jero Mends cole’s actions, which he claims undermine good governance and fairness in Liberia’s public institutions.
By: Emmanuel Kangar
The letter has sparked a wider debate on the issue of nepotism in public service, questioning the commitment of the current administration to transparency and accountability.
Zarwea alleges that Jero Mends cole has appointed his own son as Chief of Staff and awarded a cleaning contract to his wife without following standard government procedures for contract allocation. If these allegations are proven true, they suggest a troubling pattern of favoritism that contradicts the promises of transparency and fairness made by President Boakai’s administration.
The activist has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging the President to take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable. Zarwea argues that such practices threaten the integrity of public institutions and erode public trust in the government’s ability to deliver fair governance.
In his letter, Zarwea stressed the importance of maintaining transparency, particularly within the LAA, as part of the ongoing fight against corruption and nepotism in Liberia. He further warned that more concerns regarding the management of LAA will be raised in the future.
As Liberia strives for a more just and transparent society, the pressure now mounts on President Boakai to address these serious allegations and ensure that public institutions uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Here is the Open Letter from Gabriel Monger Zarwea
Open Letter to His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia
Your Excellency,
I hope this open letter finds you in high spirits and renewed strength as you continue the noble fight against corruption and nepotism within your government.
Your commitment to restoring integrity and accountability in public service is a beacon of hope for many Liberians who have long yearned for transparency and fairness in governance.
Mr. President,
I wish to bring to your attention a matter of grave concern involving the management of the Roberts International Airport (RIA). It has come to my attention that the Managing Director of RIA, Mr. Jero Mends cole, has appointed his own son as his Chief of Staff.
Furthermore, it is alleged that his wife has been awarded a contract to clean the airport without following the proper procedures outlined by the government for awarding contracts to individuals or companies.
If true, these actions constitute clear cases of nepotism and conflict of interest, which undermine the principles of fairness and transparency that your administration stands for.
The appointment of close family members to key positions and the awarding of contracts without due process create an environment where favoritism thrives at the expense of qualified and deserving Liberians.
This not only erodes public trust but also discourages merit-based competition and weakens institutional integrity.
Mr. President, I strongly believe that such practices should have no place in your government.
I urge you to investigate this matter thoroughly and take the necessary corrective actions to uphold the values of accountability and fairness. There are other concerning issues regarding the management of RIA that will be brought to your attention soon.
Your decisive action in this matter will not only reinforce public confidence in your leadership but also send a strong message that corruption and nepotism will not be tolerated under your administration.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust in your commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and ensuring that Liberia remains on the path of progress and integrity.
Yours sincerely,
Douazon, R.I.A Highway
Margibi County, Liberia
Tel: 0886638550
Email: [email protected]
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