Liberia: Association of Liberian Journalists Defends NASSCORP Director Against Allegations of Misconduct - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia, Liberia– The Association of Liberian Journalists in Peace Building has come to the defense of Dewitt vonBallmoos, the Director General of the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), amid serious allegations of financial misconduct.

By Edwin Genoway

The accusations, originating from a group calling itself the Green Revolution, claimed that vonBallmoos colluded with Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grigsby, to misappropriate $585,000 from NASSCORP for the purchase of five SUVs intended for the presidential transition.

In a statement released on Wednesday October 15, 2024, the Association condemned the allegations as “malicious blackmail and fake propaganda.” They asserted that the claims are part of a broader campaign of misinformation aimed at tarnishing vonBallmoos’s reputation and undermining his contributions to the nation.

Alex Williams, the Civil Society head, emphasized the importance of context in understanding the actions taken by vonBallmoos and Grigsby.

“It is highly disingenuous and unfair for some misguided individuals to continuously draw out misinformation and propagandistic suggestions,” Williams stated.

“Mr. vonBallmoos’s actions were not criminal; rather, they were a deliberate intention to support the smooth transition that every Liberian yearned for in 2023.”

The Association highlighted that as Chief of Office Staff in the then President Elect’s office, Grigsby’s request for assistance from a state-owned corporation during a transitional period was entirely appropriate and necessary.

They further questioned the motives of the Green Revolution group, suggesting that their attacks are unfounded and intended to defame a public servant who has made significant contributions to Liberia.

“The assertions made by the so-called Green Revolution are baseless, groundless, and unsubstantiated,” Williams added. “The claims that pensioners are not being paid regularly are not only false and misleading but also a form of blackmail intended to extort money from Mr. vonBallmoos.”

The Association took the opportunity to highlight the numerous achievements of vonBallmoos at NASSCORP, including:

The construction of a modern multi-story headquarters for NASSCORP in 2019, the establishment of the Jamale Medical Diagnostic Center, providing affordable healthcare services, the construction of a regional office in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, creating jobs for Liberians, Pro-poor housing initiatives in rural areas, and the development of recreational facilities, including the Invincible Park and mini-stadiums in various communities.

He also named the Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as road pavement and drainage systems and the Contributions to national programs, including the Anti-COVID-19 fight and educational support for students.

In conclusion, the Association of Liberian Journalists in Peace Building called for an end to the smear campaign against vonBallmoos, urging those behind the allegations to recognize his significant contributions to the nation.

“We will not sit idly by and allow miscreants hiding under the canopy of civil activism to survive with fake propaganda against great administrators and statesmen like Hon. Dewitt vonBallmoos,” Williams asserted.

As the political landscape in Liberia continues to evolve, the call for transparency and accountability remains paramount, with civil society groups like the Association of Liberian Journalists pledging to uphold these values in the face of adversity.

NASSCORP