High-Profile Figures Linked, Including An Official In The Office Of The Senate President Pro Tempore
PHOTO: Mark Vambram, Isaac Gayne, and the district residents under investigation
By King Brown, sarwahking@gmail.com
GRANK BASSA COUNTY, Liberia– A major corruption scandal has ended in Court after being uncovered in Neekreen Statutory District, linking high profile figures.
The high-profile figures include the Statutory Superintendent Mark Vambram, have been implicated in the alleged misappropriation of $32,000 related to a land deal with Z&H Mining Company.
This case in the southern Liberian region comes in the wake of a major war on corruption being wage in the Liberian capital, Monrovia by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai whose Unity Party government has indicted a number of top former CDC government officials for alleged corruption based on audit reports from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The alleged scandal erupted after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on January 23, 2024, between Z&H Mining Company and the citizens of Kpanwrahn, Kortrow, and Neekree sections. This agreement granted the company rights to blast, extract, and crush rocks over 50 acres of land for a period of 20 years, with an annual payment of $6,000 for land rental and $10,000 for community welfare. The first two years’ payment of $32,000 was reportedly handed over to Superintendent Vambram, but only $20,000 was reported to the community, sparking allegations of fraud.
An investigation has revealed the involvement of several notable figures, including a County Coordinator in the office of Senator Nyonblee Karnga- Lawrence, President Pro- Tempore of the Liberian Senate. Mr. Isaac Gayne is also the Vice Chair for Administration of the Liberty Party in the Grand Bassa County.
Gayne, a prominent figure in the district admitted to receiving $1,500, allegedly intended for the district scholarships. Gayne has however, denied any knowledge of the additional $12,000 stated in the MOU. He claims the only amount agreed upon was $20,000.
He also revealed that he signed the MOU without fully understanding its contents, under the influence of Hon. Vambram, who insisted on swift action due to the urgency of company representatives’ travel plans. Rev. Gayne claims he was unaware of the long-term lease agreement, granting sub-lease rights for 20 years to the company, despite documents indicating otherwise. Gayne suggested that his colleague Vambram tampered with the MOU after his signing
Additional individuals implicated include Neekreen Statutory District Inspector Samuel Johnson, former Assistant Minister for American Affairs Maxwell Vah, and Neekreen District Land Inspector Patience George, Elton Gofa, alleged manager of Z&H Mining Company; and Roland Lewis.
The controversy has intensified following accusations from Samuel Johnson, Neekreen District Inspector, who stated that the community had no prior opportunity to review the MOU. Johnson and other community leaders, believing they had signed an agreement based on trust, later discovered the discrepancies through a court order initiated by former Assistant Minister Maxwell Vah, who also refuted claims of accepting a $900 bribe to withdraw legal action.
Samuel Johnson claims that Mark Vambram returned to the district and reported only USD $20,000, with USD $12,000 missing. Johnson also stated that each of the three affected communities received only USD $3,500 for development, while additional funds were distributed among district leaders and individuals facilitating the deal
As the investigation continues, Buchanan City Mayor Gaybueh has vowed to address the allegations in court, emphasizing the need for unity and transparency. Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Goshua has publicly denied any involvement in the deal, asserting that the district in question is outside his jurisdiction.
The scandal has put political figures under scrutiny. Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence’s office distanced itself from Rev. Gayne, with Chief of Staff Philip Johnson stressing that the senator was unaware of the transaction. He emphasized that any wrongdoing should be adjudicated in court, where the facts can be verified.
With mounting public pressure and a pending court case, Grand Bassa County Administration, led by Superintendent Julia K. Bono, has launched an official investigation to unravel the truth behind the MOU. The outcome of the probe, expected on August 13, will determine the next course of action, including potential legal ramifications for those found guilty.
Amidst the escalating tensions, community leaders and residents have called for an independent investigation, asserting that the county leadership should not oversee its own inquiry. The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Bassa County is slated to begin hearings on the case on August 12, 2024, as public pressure mounts for accountability and justice.
Community members and leaders are demanding accountability and transparency. The situation underscores the need for rigorous oversight of community agreements and highlights the potential impact of corruption on local development. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on Grand Bassa County to see how authorities will address the scandal and restore public trust.