23/09/2025
Went for Enjoyment or Mission? LCAA Faces Heat Over Travel Violation
Monrovia, Liberia - The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) is under fire for breaching the Government of Liberia’s Revised Travel Ordinance by dispatching six employees to an international conference in Canada ~ three times the number legally permitted.
The delegation, which traveled to attend the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montréal, incurred a total cost of US$53,356, covering airfare and daily subsistence allowances (DSA) for a 10-day stay from September 21 to October 3, 2025.
According to Rule #2 of the 2025 Revised Travel Ordinance, no more than two delegates are allowed to travel from a single ministry, agency, or state-owned enterprise. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the only institution permitted to send three. Despite this, LCAA reportedly sent six employees without seeking or receiving special approval from the Executive Mansion.
Questionable Delegation Composition
Critics have questioned the relevance of sending non-technical personnel to an event centered on global aviation policy, regulation, and safety oversight describe the trip as more of a safari and love vacation.
“This delegation is certainly wasting funds,” said an aviation expert who requested anonymity. “The ICAO Assembly is highly technical. Why prioritize HR and admin staff over aviation professionals? President Boakai is focused on solving real economic problems, but actions like these make his job harder.”
Analysts argue that by sending staff lacking aviation expertise, Liberia missed a critical opportunity to engage substantively on pressing aviation issues at a time when the country’s aviation oversight remains under review.
Call for Accountability
Of the total expenses, internal documents show that over US$45,000 went to DSA payments, with the balance covering airfares. The trip has triggered backlash from civil society and calls for an official investigation.
“This is a clear violation of both the letter and spirit of the GOL Travel Ordinance,” said Dennis Kromah, Executive Director of YARD-Liberia. “If we are serious about public financial management reform, there must be consequences. Heads must roll.”
Several organizations are now urging the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) to probe the selection process and spending authorization related to the trip.
As public confidence in government accountability remains fragile, observers say this latest controversy risks further eroding trust ~ unless decisive action is taken.
Source: Kool
