Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has dismissed the top leadership of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) in what the Executive Mansion describes as a move to restore accountability and strengthen institutional efficiency within the country’s public health system.
Those relieved of their duties are Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General, and Dr. Adams K. Lincoln, Deputy Director General. The Executive Mansion said their dismissal was carried out “for administrative reasons.”
In the wake of their removal, President Boakai has appointed Dr. Sia Wata Camanor as Interim Director General (Officer-in-Charge) of the Institute. Dr. Camanor will coordinate activities of the NPHIL Board, the Ministry of Health, and other partners to ensure operational stability and continuity until a new Director General is named.
The Executive Mansion emphasized that the action forms part of the President’s broader effort to promote accountability, transparency, and effective leadership across government institutions.
“The President remains committed to fostering institutional efficiency and ensuring that public agencies deliver on their mandates in the interest of the Liberian people,” the statement noted.
New Appointments at the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs
In a related development, President Boakai also made several new appointments affecting the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
At the Ministry of Justice, the following officials were appointed:
- Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II – Director, Witness Protection Unit
- Mr. Varney Ali Sheriff – Deputy Director, Witness Protection Unit
- Dr. Stephen D. Paye – Probation and Parole Administrator
At the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the President named Mr. Amos T. F. Kemeyah as County Relieving Commissioner for Lofa County.
Strengthening Governance and Oversight
The shake-up at NPHIL comes as part of President Boakai’s continuing efforts to revamp governance and performance standards across public institutions. Since assuming office, the Liberian leader has stressed that public service must be driven by competence, integrity, and accountability.
NPHIL, a key health agency established in the aftermath of the 2014–2016 Ebola crisis, plays a critical role in disease surveillance, public health research, and epidemic response. The removal of its leadership marks one of the most significant administrative shakeups within Liberia’s health sector since the Boakai administration took office earlier this year.
