Liberia: LAA MD Seeks Board Probe Into Alleged Administrative Irregularities Involving James Spriggs Payne Airport Port Manager Abner Yonly

Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes has formally requested a review by the Authority’s Board of Directors into alleged administrative, financial and governance irregularities involving the Port Manager of James Spriggs Payne Airport, Abner Yonly, according to sources familiar with the correspondence.

In a letter dated Oct. 19, 2026, addressed to the Board chairman and members, Hughes outlined several concerns involving Yonly’s management of the airport, including alleged unauthorized financial transactions, personnel decisions and failure to comply with directives from the Authority’s senior management.

A source familiar with the developments, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the communication raises questions about administrative oversight, accountability and adherence to established management procedures at the airport.

Yonly did not respond to FrontPage Africa’s inquiry up to the time of publication. He did not respond to FPA’s letter sent to his WhatsApp, as well as text messages and calls.

Among the most significant concerns is a reported request for approximately US$40 million submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to support operations and development at James Spriggs Payne Airport.

According to the letter, the request was allegedly made without the prior knowledge, review or authorization of the LAA managing director or senior management.

The letter also raises concerns about reports that bank accounts may have been opened or maintained on behalf of the airport without approval from the Authority’s senior leadership.

Additionally, Hughes cited reports of funds allegedly solicited or received from external entities outside established financial management and reporting procedures.

The allegations, if substantiated, could raise questions about financial accountability and the extent of authority exercised by airport management.

The managing director also identified several personnel-related concerns, including the reported removal of an employee identified as Mr. Bosco from his office assignment without authorization from senior management.

In another incident, Hughes said Yonly allegedly refused to implement a July 6 directive transferring three security officers from Roberts International Airport to James Spriggs Payne Airport.

The letter further referenced an Oct. 14 communication posted in an official LAA forum during discussions about the launch of the Authority’s Strategic Plan. Management reportedly considered the communication inappropriate in tone and inconsistent with expected standards of professional conduct.

Taken together, the concerns outlined in the correspondence point to possible disagreements over management authority, institutional reporting structures and compliance with the LAA’s administrative procedures.

Hughes requested that the Board examine the matters and determine whether additional administrative review, investigation or corrective action is warranted.

The letter does not announce disciplinary action against Yonly or establish that the allegations have been proven.

It also does not indicate whether the Board has initiated a formal investigation or reached any conclusions.

The development comes as LAA continues efforts to strengthen institutional governance, operational efficiency and administrative accountability across the country’s airports.

The outcome of the Board’s consideration could have implications for management oversight and the relationship between the Authority’s central administration and individual airport managers.

The Board had not made its position public up to the time of publication.