Monrovia — President Joseph Boakai has appointed Madam Mary Karnga Dahn, the older sister of Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, as the Government of Liberia’s representative on the Board of ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Madam Dahn, who resides in the United States and is married to Peter Dahn, is the latest family member of Senator Lawrence to receive a prominent government position. This appointment has sparked concerns about nepotism and the influence of political connections in government appointments.
Senator Lawrence has been influential in several high-profile appointments. Her brother, Abba G. Karnga Jr., was appointed Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Education. Other close associates of hers whose appointments she reportedly influenced include Julia K. Bono as Grand Bassa Superintendent and George Gaybueh as the Mayor of Buchanan City. Jonathan Lambort Kaipay, a former senator, was appointed Director of Buchanan Port, while Paul Y. Piah took on the role of Grand Bassa Fiscal Superintendent.
Senator Lawrence has also exerted significant influence over local leadership appointments in Grand Bassa County, including commissioners and statutory superintendents. Her County Coordinator, G. Isaac Gayne, is involved in the county’s Scrap Committee.
Critics argue that these repeated appointments of Senator Lawrence’s associates and family members undermine the principles of meritocracy and fairness within the Unity Party Government.
In its 100-day assessment report released in June, the Center for Transparency and Accountability Liberia criticized the Boakai administration for nepotism. The report highlighted several key appointments under scrutiny. Jacob T. Kabakole, the President’s influential nephew, was appointed Chairman of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA). Sirleaf Tyler, the brother of Senator Alex J. Tyler, was named Minister of Transport. Nancy Moye, the wife of Senator Prince Moye, was appointed to the board of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC). Daybah E. Johnson, the daughter of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, became Assistant Minister for Regional Labor Affairs.
The report also noted that Senator Darbah Varpilah’s husband, S. Tornolar Varpilah, was appointed Chairman of the LMA Board, while her children, Nee-Alah T. Varpilah and Feetor Varpilah, were appointed Director-General of the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) and Deputy Director General of NICOL, respectively. Her brother-in-law, Gallah Varpilah, was appointed City Mayor of Gbarnga.
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