IPNEWS: The recent appointment of Nortu Jarpah as Managing Director of the National Insurance Company of Liberia (NICOL) has raised significant concerns regarding his suitability for the position. This article outlines why Jarpah is not fit for this leadership role, citing his past record of incompetence and corruption, and analyzing his failure to meet the Central Bank of Liberia’s (CBL) “fit and proper” requirements for executive leadership in financial institutions.

Incompetence and Corruption: Dismissal from LWSC

One of the most glaring issues that disqualifies Nortu Jarpah from holding any executive position is his history of incompetence and corruption. During the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Jarpah was dismissed from his role as Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC). His dismissal came amid allegations of gross incompetence and corruption, raising serious questions about his integrity and leadership capabilities.

Under Jarpah’s tenure at LWSC, the entity suffered from operational inefficiencies and rampant mismanagement of funds, leading to frequent water shortages and sanitation issues. His inability to manage the corporation effectively not only hampered its ability to provide essential services but also eroded public trust in his leadership. This track record makes Jarpah an unsuitable candidate to head NICOL, a position that demands competence, transparency, and the ability to manage the financial health of an institution crucial to the country’s economic stability.

CBL’s “Fit and Proper” Requirements

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has stringent “fit and proper” requirements for individuals seeking leadership positions in financial institutions. These requirements are designed to ensure that only individuals with the necessary competence, financial integrity, and sound moral character are entrusted with managing institutions that are vital to Liberia’s economy.