Amidst escalating allegations of financial impropriety, the Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), James A.S. Momoh, has issued a strong rebuttal, demanding that his accusers produce tangible evidence to substantiate their claims.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the accusations began circulating, largely through social media and unofficial channels, Superintendent Momoh characterized the allegations as part of a deliberate smear campaign intended to undermine his leadership and reform initiatives.
“We will not be swayed by individuals who seek to tarnish reputations simply because they aspire to the positions we hold,” Momoh stated unequivocally. “If any evidence of wrongdoing exists, I challenge anyone to come forward with full documentation.”
Momoh emphasized that neither he nor the MCSS has been summoned or is currently under investigation by any state oversight body, including the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), regarding the alleged misuse of public funds.
“There has never been a moment when the FIU or any other government agency has contacted us concerning financial misconduct,” he asserted. “These rumors are baseless and without foundation.”
The MCSS Superintendent’s remarks follow widespread public speculation surrounding a purported misappropriation of USD $1.6 million for the procurement of armchairs. Critics have accused Momoh of misusing these funds, a claim he flatly denies.
“No one allocated USD $1.6 million to me for chairs. In fact, the chairs have not even been paid for yet,” he clarified. “Our total budget amounts to USD $4.2 million, with USD $3.9 million strictly earmarked for salaries. This leaves a mere USD $300,000 to manage 27 schools and the Central Office. Therefore, the origin of this alleged $1.6 million remains unclear.”
Momoh also questioned the awareness and involvement of the MCSS Board, highlighting that the Minister of Education serves as the Board’s Co-Chair and the Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA) is a sitting member.
“It is perplexing that the Board now professes ignorance regarding the procurement of armchairs and laboratory equipment. Are we to believe that I acted unilaterally on such significant decisions that inherently require Board oversight?” he inquired.
In his defense, Momoh pointed to ongoing improvements across the MCSS network, including noticeable infrastructure upgrades at institutions such as the William V.S. Tubman High School. He encouraged the public and media to visit the schools to witness the progress firsthand.
“The trust placed in us by His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is a testament to our dedication to reforming the education sector,” he added.
Momoh further suggested that the motivations of some of his critics stem not from a genuine concern for transparency, but from personal or political ambition.
“For some individuals, this is not about accountability; it is about strategically positioning themselves for political advancement,” he stated.
As the debate continues, Superintendent Momoh’s emphatic response underscores his determination not to be intimidated by unsubstantiated claims. While demands for transparency remain valid, he insists that any investigation or criticism must be grounded in factual evidence, not mere speculation.
“The truth must guide this conversation, not conjecture,” he concluded.
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