Monrovia — East International Construction Company and current and former officials of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) risk being referred for prosecution if they fail to appear at the next legislative hearing into an audit of the Authority covering 2018 to 2023.
The Joint Legislative Public Accounts Committee of the 55th Legislature issued the warning Wednesday, August 12, after invited officials failed to appear, forcing the committee to postpone the hearing for a second time.
The hearing centers on a General Auditing Commission (GAC) report covering the financial statements of the Liberia Airport Authority for the six-year period.
The Committee said the proceedings form part of the Legislature's constitutional oversight responsibilities and are intended to give all parties named or concerned in the audit an opportunity to respond to its findings.
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According to the Committee, the Auditor General issued an adverse opinion on the LAA's financial statements for the period under review, prompting lawmakers to seek explanations from current and former officials connected to the Authority and related projects.
The Committee stressed the importance of having current and former officials of the LAA, Roberts International Airport and the Ministry of Public Works appear to provide clarification and respond to issues raised by the auditors.
Lawmakers maintained that the hearing is not politically motivated but is intended to ensure due process and accountability in the management of public resources.
"We want everybody to have the opportunity so that when you go to the Justice Ministry, the LACC, or even the court, you will not say that you did not know about the matter or that nobody gave you an opportunity to respond," the Committee said.
The Committee warned that failure by the concerned parties to honor its next invitation could result in further action, including possible referral to relevant authorities for prosecution.
It also commended the General Auditing Commission for what it described as its professionalism and continued cooperation with the Legislature in promoting accountability and ensuring value for money in publicly funded institutions and projects.
The Committee further disclosed that it has already transmitted approximately 12 other audit reports to the Office of the President for appropriate action and intends to follow up with the Executive on their status.
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The latest hearing is expected to focus on the audit findings and provide the affected institutions, companies and officials an opportunity to explain their roles and address concerns raised by the GAC.
