LAA Boss Steps Aside Over 15% Bribe Allegation at Roberts Airport

Monrovia, Liberia: The Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), Ernest R. Hughes, has stepped aside from his duties following corruption allegations, with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai directing the Ministry of Justice to investigate the matter.

Information gathered from several sources indicates that Hughes is alleged to have solicited a 15 percent kickback from a Canadian aviation navigation contractor, Intercan, before approving payment for services the company provided at Roberts International Airport.

Sources claim the Government of Liberia had deposited about US$1 million into the LAA account to pay the contractor. However, Hughes allegedly held on to the payment and demanded his percentage before the funds could be released.

One source familiar with the situation alleged that the LAA Managing Director contacted the company’s Head for Africa and requested the payment before approving the contractor’s settlement.

The matter reportedly drew the attention of the LAA Board of Directors, which held discussions on the issue earlier this week. According to sources, the board decided Tuesday to suspend Hughes, while the case was forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for investigation.

Sources also confirmed that the issue was reported to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, prompting further action from the Executive Mansion.

When contacted through WhatsApp, Hughes declined to comment on the allegations. However, another senior source within the airport authority confirmed that the matter is under review.

In a statement from the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, President Boakai confirmed that Hughes had written to the presidency on March 9, 2026 requesting administrative leave while the matter is being investigated.

In the letter, Hughes stated that he decided to step aside to allow the investigation to proceed without any perception of interference and assured authorities of his willingness to cooperate fully with the process.

President Boakai accepted the request and instructed the Ministry of Justice to conduct a full investigation into concerns raised by the Chairperson of the Liberia Airport Authority Board regarding the management of the institution.

The Justice Ministry has been directed to complete its investigation and submit findings and recommendations to the President by March 30, 2026.

During Hughes’ absence, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Honorable John Buway, will serve as Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority.

Meanwhile, the Executive Mansion in Monrovia has confirmed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has accepted the request of Mr. Hughes to proceed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to the presidency, Mr. Hughes formally requested leave on March 9, 2026, stating that his decision was intended to allow the investigation to proceed without any perception of interference, while also confirming his willingness to fully cooperate with the process.

In his communication to the President, Hughes expressed confidence that a fair and impartial review would clarify the concerns raised.

The Executive Mansion further stated that President Boakai had earlier directed the Ministry of Justice of Liberia to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into concerns outlined by the Chairperson of the Liberia Airport Authority’s Board of Directors regarding the operational management of the institution.

President Boakai acknowledged Hughes’ decision to recuse himself from active duties during the investigation, noting that the step would allow the process to proceed in an orderly and transparent manner.

The Ministry of Justice has been tasked to complete the investigation and submit its findings and recommendations to the President no later than March 30, 2026.

During the period of administrative leave, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Honorable John Buway, will serve as Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority.