Liberia: LAA Managing Director Ernest Hughes Returns to Work as Probe Dismisses Corruption Claims

Monrovia — The Government of Liberia has cleared Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes of corruption allegations, declaring there was “no criminal wrongdoing” and ordering his immediate return to work following weeks of investigation into claims of a 15 percent kickback scheme.

The investigation, commissioned by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after Hughes voluntarily stepped aside, found the accusations to be unsubstantiated. In a formal communication issued by Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah, the government confirmed that the probe uncovered no evidence of corruption.

Despite exonerating Hughes, the investigative panel—led by the Ministry of Justice—highlighted significant governance and administrative weaknesses within the LAA that require urgent attention.

The report identified strained relations between the Authority’s management and its Board of Directors, unclear administrative roles, and weak institutional systems as key challenges undermining performance. It also cited poor coordination between management and the Board, lack of transparency in recruitment and staffing decisions, weak financial reporting structures, and inadequate documentation in personnel management.

Importantly, the panel emphasized that these issues were administrative and structural in nature, not criminal.

“A breakdown exists between Management and the Board, affecting institutional performance. Governance ambiguities have led to overlapping roles and institutional conflict,” the panel noted.

The report further observed that some administrative decisions taken under Hughes’ leadership lacked sufficient consultation with the Board, contributing to concerns about transparency and accountability.

To address these challenges, the panel recommended restoring a functional working relationship between management and the Board, strengthening transparency and consultation processes, and ensuring strict adherence to defined governance structures. It also called for improved reporting and information-sharing mechanisms, along with participation in a comprehensive review of the LAA Act.

Following the findings, President Boakai has instructed Hughes to immediately implement the recommended reforms, particularly those relating to administrative transparency and structured engagement with the Board. The President also directed the LAA to collaborate with the Office of the President’s Legal Advisor in reviewing and revising the Authority’s governing framework.

In a broader move signaling institutional reform, the President is reportedly reassessing the composition and leadership of the LAA Board, with an official announcement on possible restructuring anticipated soon.

Further directives include relocating the LAA to a new office space by November 30, 2026, a step aimed at clarifying operational boundaries between the Authority and the management of Roberts International Airport.

While Hughes’ return marks the end of the corruption probe, the government’s findings underscore the need for systemic reforms within the LAA to strengthen governance, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.

Hughes was nominated in October 2025 by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and confirmed by the Liberian Senate in November 2025 as Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), alongside John Z. Buway, who was confirmed as Deputy Managing Director for Administration.

His appointment followed the retirement of former LAA Managing Director Jerror Mends-Cole on medical grounds.

Hughes brings to the role a broad professional background in accounting, finance, governance, and public service. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tennessee Technological University, with a concentration in Management Information Systems and Finance, and an Honors Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University in Canada, with emphasis on Accounting and Economics.

Prior to his appointment, Hughes served as Vice Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), where he oversaw investigations, prosecutions, and anti-corruption programs nationwide. He also worked internationally as Director of Integrity, Ethics and Compliance at Walmart Corporation’s Global Controllership Office in the United States, managing enterprise-wide risk assessments, compliance frameworks, and internal controls.

In Liberia, his experience includes serving as Interim Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Finance at the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), as well as Senior Finance Manager at ArcelorMittal Liberia. He has also held positions with Deloitte & Touché LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Hughes is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in both Liberia and the United States, and also holds certifications as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Upon his appointment, Hughes was tasked with leading the modernization and strategic development of Liberia’s airport system, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening safety standards, and attracting investment into the aviation sector. His selection was widely viewed as part of President Boakai’s broader effort to place experienced professionals in key roles to enhance transparency, efficiency, and development in critical infrastructure sectors.

However, sources within the LAA indicate that Hughes has faced internal resistance from factions within the LAA which allegedly undermined his leadership. Some observers claim that efforts were made to damage his reputation, including the circulation of allegations that have now been dismissed by the government’s investigation.

With his exoneration, observers say Hughes is expected to continue the reform agenda he initiated, aimed at transforming the LAA into a more effective and accountable institution.