MONROVIA – Liberia’s anti-corruption and public accountability drive has taken another significant turn following the release of a compliance audit by the General Auditing Commission that uncovered multiple financial discrepancies, contract violations, and governance failures surrounding the ongoing Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road Project.
The audit, conducted under the leadership of Auditor General P. Garswa Jackson, examined the implementation of the major road infrastructure project covering the period from April 2021 to April 2025.
According to the report, the Government of Liberia disbursed more than US$1.15 million to East International Inc. without documented evidence of project completion certificates as required under the terms of the contract.
East International was awarded the RIA Road contract through the Ministry of Public Works of Liberia during the administration of former President George Weah after reportedly winning the competitive bidding process for the project.
Major Payment Variance Discovered
The audit further identified a payment variance of approximately US$577,808 among figures reported by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia, the Ministry of Public Works, and the contractor.
Auditors say the inconsistencies raise serious concerns regarding financial reporting, payment verification, and internal control mechanisms associated with the project.
The GAC report additionally noted that the project failed to meet its original completion timeline, resulting in an extension of the construction period from April 2024 to April 2027.
Following the transition of political power in 2024, the current government reportedly reviewed the East International contract and identified what authorities described as irregularities and implementation challenges before granting additional time for completion of the road project.
Engineering, Maintenance Concerns Raised
Beyond the financial discrepancies, the audit also highlighted several technical and engineering concerns along sections of the road corridor.
Among the issues identified were damaged asphalt pavement, pavement settlement, erosion around culverts and reinforced concrete pipes, and poor maintenance conditions in portions of the project area.
The report warned that the engineering deficiencies could undermine the durability, safety, and long-term quality of the project if not urgently addressed.
The RIA Road remains one of Liberia’s most critical transportation corridors, serving as the primary gateway linking the capital, Monrovia, to Roberts International Airport.
US$2.2 Million Road Safety Components Missing
The audit further disclosed that road safety infrastructure valued at more than US$2.2 million had not been installed despite reports indicating that over 91 percent of the civil works had already been completed.
According to the GAC, several key road safety components remain missing from the project, including traffic signs, guardrails, streetlights, and road safety markers.
Infrastructure and road safety experts say the absence of such installations could expose motorists and commuters to increased risks, particularly during nighttime travel and adverse weather conditions.
Governance Failures Highlighted
The GAC also cited what it described as serious governance and oversight failures in the management of the project.
Among the shortcomings identified were the absence of a functional Dispute Review Board, failure to appoint a Dispute Review Expert, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation by the Special Project Implementation Team tasked with supervising the project.
The report suggested that weak oversight and poor governance structures may have contributed significantly to the project’s financial and implementation challenges.
Public Concern Renewed
The findings have reignited public debate surrounding transparency, accountability, and quality assurance in the execution of major public infrastructure projects in Liberia.
Observers say the audit raises broader concerns about procurement processes, project supervision, financial management, and contractor performance within government-funded initiatives.
The release of the report also comes amid increasing pressure on public institutions to aggressively tackle corruption and strengthen accountability mechanisms across government.
In recent months, the General Auditing Commission has intensified the publication of audit reports involving ministries, agencies, commissions, and public projects as part of broader national efforts to promote transparency and prudent management of public resources.
Many Liberians are now calling on relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions to move beyond the audit findings and conduct further investigations into the alleged irregularities highlighted in the report.
The RIA Road Project remains one of the country’s most visible and strategically important infrastructure undertakings, making the audit findings particularly significant within Liberia’s broader development and governance landscape.
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