Liberia Broadcasting System Comptroller Clarifies Petty Cash Management Amidst Internal Tensions

Paynesville – A recent memorandum issued by A. Byron Chappie, Comptroller of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), has addressed concerns raised by Director General Eugene L. Fahngon regarding the management of the institution’s petty cash. 

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By Selma Lomax [email protected]

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The memo, dated December 11, 2024, seeks to clarify misunderstandings between the two regarding recent instructions on petty cash allocations.

In his memo, Chappie assured Fahngon that he had never refused to comply with his instructions. He confirmed receiving a written directive on November 18, 2024, from Fahngon, instructing an increase in petty cash from $500 to $1,500 to accommodate the growing operational needs of the broadcaster.

Chappie also acknowledged Fahngon’s verbal request for an additional $750 to be kept in the Director General’s office for office-related expenses.

The Comptroller, however, explained that upon receiving this verbal request, he had informed his immediate superior, Hon. Thomas F. Guwor, Deputy Director General for Administration, who instructed him to hold off on any action until his return. 

When Guwor returned, the two visited Fahngon’s office to discuss the issue further, and Guwor suggested that Fahngon submit a formal written request for the $750 or for the Accounts Department to set the amount aside for the Director General’s office use.

Chappie reiterated that his actions were in line with best practices, which dictate that the user of petty cash cannot also serve as its custodian. 

He assured Fahngon that he would never intentionally disregard his instructions and expressed his ongoing commitment to working cooperatively with the Director General.

The memo was also shared with the Deputy Director General for Administration, the Human Resources Department, and filed for record-keeping purposes.

This internal correspondence, however, comes amidst growing tensions at the LBS following Fahngon’s controversial decision to unilaterally dismiss Joseph Sayon, the Workers Union President. 

The dismissal has sparked outrage among staff, with many viewing it as an attack on the employee’s rights. Several deputies at the state broadcaster have distanced themselves from Fahngon’s actions, labeling the decision as authoritarian.

In a public statement via Facebook live, Fahngon defended his leadership, stating that the opposition from LBS workers stems from the reforms he is implementing at the state broadcaster since his appointment by President Joseph Boakai last year.

The ongoing dispute between management and staff highlights the deepening internal divisions at the Liberia Broadcasting System, raising questions about the future of governance and leadership at the national broadcaster.