––As Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan Fires Back
IPNEWS: recent diaspora conference initiated by President Joseph Boakai highlighted the need for diaspora Liberians to return and contribute to the development and skills of Liberia’s development advancement, but Many diaspora Liberians expressed outrage over the unacceptable posture of the compatriots when they returned.
Many whom stated that their compatriots conspired against them especially in the fight against corruption, which many believed is the way of life I n post war Liberia.
At the height of the recent dismissal of Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General, and Dr. Adams K. Lincoln, Deputy Director General, for unspecified “administrative reasons, ” is another lip-most case of the level of conspiracy and cemented operations of various kinds of mafia operations at many public Institutions in the country.
An investigation conducted by the authoritative Independent Probe draws parallel of a systematic collusion which led to the dismissal of Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan contrary to what the executive Mansion said for ‘administrative and managerial failures.’
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, former Director General- a renowned biomedical scientist, inventor, and public health expert – was appointed in August 2024 upon the recommendation of NPHIL’s Board of Directors. His appointment was widely praised by the Liberian public for his proven expertise and achievements in medical science.
However, the 2016 Act creating National Public Health Institute of Liberia stated that It is a tenured post of five years, and the conditions to necessitate the removal of the Director General are stated clearly in Part C. of the Act creating the National Public Health Institute states that the Director-General shall voluntarily resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the President, provided he or she gives three months noticed prior to the date of his or her resignation.
B. Suspension:
The Director-General shall be suspended by the President for calls upon the recommendation of a vote of two-thirds majority of members of the Board. Members of the NPHIL Board: Dr. Stephen Kennedy (Chair), Dr. Angela Benson, Bishop Simeon Dunbar, Dr. Samuel T. Dopoe, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, and Madame Sonia F. Roberts.
C. Removal:
The Director-General shall be removed if found to be grossly inefficient, found to be corrupt, convicted of any crime by competent tribunal consistent with due process, indicted by the Government and Bureau or any other country for a crime or no longer able to perform the duties due to physical or mental incapacity, or sentenced by a qualified physician or medical doctor, or engages in acts that are undesirable in public interest and undermine principles of good governance.
Or when It is discovered that he or she has another time been convicted of offence.
Interestingly, there are inconsistencies as to the actual number of the Bord recommending the dismissal of Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan.
In a communication by the Minister of states for Presidential Affairs, on. Samuel Stequoa, to Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, dated September 25, 2025, informed Dr. Nyan of communication send by the Board along with a resolution recommending his removal and directed his response within 48 hours addressing the multiple concerns outlined in the resolution.
This resolution carries the signatures of seven members of the Board which does not meet 2/3 bench mark as required by the Act. Another copy of the resolution sent to Media institutions strangely carried nine members of Board sparking concerns as how the addition two members’ surface.
Dr .Nayn in a four page response to President Joseph N. Boakai, acknowledged receipt of the Minister of State communication, however as the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), accompanied by NPHIL Board Resolution containing a slew of allegations against him without evidence provided.
Dr. Nay told President Boakai that all of the eleven were allegations that lacks evidence, and that the 11 counts of the Board’s request for his “removal” are unconstitutional and do not satisfy Section 4.4 (ii) of the NPHIL Act of 20 16. With exhibit.
Dr. Nyan continuing expressed his sincere thanks to his Excellency the president for allowing him to respond to those allegations with evidence that supports his responses.
“ I returned home to serve my country in a technical, scientific, biomedical, and public health role-to help build the scientific capacity of Liberia and not to be involved in unhealthy political theatrics. These past 12 months have afforded me that opportunity, and our entire NPHIL Family and I are doing even more to improve and elevate public health in Liberia. The NPHIL is now: designated as a Regional Center of Excellence by the Africa-CDC.
Secondly, I recognize the board’s work and respect the law that established the NPHIL as well as governs its functions (the NPHIL Act of 2016). This law also assigns essential
responsibilities and vital functions to the Director General of the NPHIL in a legally protected tenure capacity in the day-to-day running of the entity, I appreciate this relationship which is a vital part of the organization’s operations, but which should be characterize by respect, sincerity, integrity, and honesty (not by constant administrative intimidation of the supervised and conspiracy).
However, based on my review of the Board’s actions and its resolutions, I will say that, had the Board written to me directly with these concerns, instead of relying on the President’s intervention, I would have provided a response supported by evidence to clarify any concerns.
Nonetheless, since it has now reached your desk, I am obliged to respond to the Board’s
allegations which are broad, vague, lack specifics, lack evidence, and functionally inaccurate.
Addressing count one (1) of the Board’s resolutions regarding the “lack of pre-decisional involvement of the Board in critical decisions affecting the NPHIL, Dr. Nyan noted that ” It is unfortunate that the resolution did not specify which “critical decisions” and lacks the evidence to substantiate its. This resolution carries the signatures of seven members of the Board which does not meet 2/3 bench mark as required by the Act. Another copy of the resolution sent to Media institutions strangely carried nine members of Board sparking concerns as how the addition two members’ surface.
“Claim. I mention this, because I have maintained regular contact with the Board, through the chair, regarding every major decision related to NPHIL. For example, when some NPHIL personnels stole government vehicles belonging to the NPHIL, we investigated and duly informed the Board about our findings and actions in a formal report (please see attached evidence.
Preventing and Controlling Public Health Threats, the outgoing Also, decisions made in my capacity as Director General are usually reported to the Board, as outlined in Section 4.3 (b), through formal reports according to the quarters. The most recent
report was submitted (please see attached evidence – Appendix-III same report submitted to the Mansion).
Thus, it is puzzling to me that the board would base its request for my removal on the “lack of pre-decisional involvement,” when I have essentially reported all activities to the board as required by my role as Director General and have fulfilled my duties accordingly. Hence, I will kindly appreciate specificity in matters such as these from the Board, because with the above evidence provided, I have not reneged on my role and functions as Director General of the NPHIL as far as decision making and the involvement of the Board are concerned.
Responding to count two (2) of the Board’s resolution relative to the allegation of the “lack of interagency coordination and collaboration,” again, the Board will have to be specific with this allegation, the Public Health Expert noted that because NPHIL has done everything possible to work with every agency it has business with. Mr. President, please refer to the few attached communications for ease of reference and to provide evidence in this matter (Lead Paint Regulation with Environmental Protection Agency; MOU with University of Liberia for Ph.D. programme: Mpox Vaccination Launch with Ministry of Health; Laboratory Coordination with Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Lab; pending MOU; Research and Response with Ministry of Defense, etc, etc.). We have even sought the intervention of the Board Chair in instances where we faced some particularly challenges. (Please see attached evidence – Appendix-IV).
On Reacting to count three (3) of the resolution regarding “lack of coordination between NPHIL and the Ministry of Health (MoH),” the Liberian Acclaimed scientist stated that NPHIL has performed its role in coordination with the Minister of Health and have reached out constantly, including visiting the Minister’s office for meetings. On numerous occasions, I contacted via texts, emails, and phone calls (please see
attached evidence .
On the contrary, the MoH has created parallel structures at the MoH to conduct NPHIL’S work; (e.g. creation of the Department Environmental and Occupational Health at the MoH). The NPHIL has brought these to the attention of the Board which has yet to address our concerns (please see attached evidence. letter to the Board).
On the issue of the Board, Dr. Nyan told President Boakai that counts four (4) and five (5) of the Board’s resolution, the statements contained therein mentioned “non-adherence to the Board-related tenets of the NPHIL ACT,” and the *”non-regard for the statutory functions of the Board.” In this instance, the Board is not specific, provides no evidence, and is vague. The NPHIL Act outlines eleven (11) statutory functions of the Board. I would appreciate clarification on which specific “tenets” were not adhered to or which function was not regarded, as that would enable me to respond appropriately to the Board.
“On the contrary, the board has come in violation of the Act by conducting meetings that intentionally excludes the Director General of the NPHIL who is the Secretary to the Board. I only come to know of such meetings when the Chairnan, Dr. Stephen Kennedy submitted requests for payment of “Board sitting fees” for said meetings. Such meetings, including the recent one from which this very board resolution emanated, were held to my exclusion.
Although these meetings are “Ad-hoc Meetings” and should not be compensated for, the Board usually requests and presses the NPHIL for sitting fccs, which is a violation of Act. (please see attached evidence … exclusion from meetings and sitting fees request for
Adhoc Meeting).
He Liberian Scientist further clarified that count six (6) of the resolution, the Board claimed that I travel without their knowledge, and such allegation is also false and inaccurate. There exist exchanges between the Chair and I relative to his knowledge of my travel (please see attached evidence – Appendix-VII).
Furthermore, Section 4.9 (b) of the NPHIL Act specifically requires that the Deputy Director General for Technical Services to “act in the absence of the Director General.” And section 4.10 (a) of the same act clearly states that the Deputy Director General for Administration “acts as Director General in the absence of both the Director General and the Deputy Director General of Technical Services.” This is automatic and requires no extra authorization.
Nevertheless, I do communicate my travels/departure and leave the Deputy Director General for Technical Services in place (please see attached evidence – Appendix-IX). .. HR memos and email).
Mr. President, from the above-cited provisions, it is crystal clear that the NPHIL Act is specific on who replaces the Director General in the absence and the succession. It is only in the absence of the three heads of the entity that the Director General can appoint a proxy to act in his stead while away. Mr. President, I can assure you that my deputies and I have never left this country at the same time.
Furthermore, with due courtesy, I have always informed the Chairman of the Board either through a phone call or message about my departure from the country and he has always wish me well in my representation of the country. please see attached evidence – Appendix-X … texts, memo, and email of travel notification).
Let me also establish that all travels I go on are official (never private since I took office in August 2024). These travels are for scientific workshops and largely sponsored by the Africa CDC, and ECOWAS-WAHO, among others. If the board insists that l did not, then let the board provide evidence to substantiate their claim. Otherwise, these allegations are tantamount to an orchestrated conspiracy against.” Dr. Nyan clarified.
Responding to counts seven (7) and eight (8) of the Board’s resolution, Dr. Nyan stated that the board claims He lack coordination and collaboration in the sector. “This allegation is also very broad, general, lacks specifics, and with no evidence. On the contrary, please see few examples of the extend of NPHIL’s inter-sectorial collaborations and progress in just one year: Lead Paint Regulation with Environmental Protection Agency; MOU with University of Liberia for Ph.D. programme; Mpox Vaccination Launch with Ministry of Health; Laboratory Coordination with
With the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Lab: pending MOU and Research and Response activities of Defense, etc, etc.).
Regarding the board’s accusation that as Director-General, I communicate with the President
and the Legislature without the knowledge of the Board, the Board provides no evidence as to
any harmm this has caused to my daily function, the President’s work, or to that of the NPHIL.
Importantly, the NPHIL Act of 2016 does not probit the Director General of NPHIL from
communicating with the President of the Republic of Liberia and responding to
summons’invitations/citations from the Legislature and the President’s cabinet meetings (please see attached evidence – Appendix-III … see evidence of citations).
Mr. President, as an entity responsible for emergency outbreaks-responses in the sector, will it
not constitute a disrespect should I refuse a call from the President’s office on short notice to
present on outbreak status at the cabinet meeting (where I presented recently)?
Mr. President, these and many of the counts demonstrate that the allegations against me are
fabricated to damage my reputation and hinder the organization’s progress.
7. Addressing count nine (9) of the Board’s resolution dubbed concerns raised by the Partner”
I will kindly state the following. Mr. President, it is interesting to note that the Partners as well
as the Health Committees of the House and Senate are part of the Incident Management System
(IMS), which I lead as Chairman by law and International Health Regulation. The IMS meeting is a bi-weekly gathering where we and partners discuss the progress, evaluate growing challenges in the public health sector, and advance potential solutions. There exists a
harmonious collaboration with partners and no one has raised any problems. The IMS is the
jdeal technical scientific forum where we interact with each other. Hence, what is the issue that
any “partner” has and did not raise in the IMS meeting to this date, but would rather complain to the Board? Once again, I would appreciate were the board to provide any evidence to this
effect with specifics and details.
Mr. President, this is again a baseless accusation by the board that is aimed at damaging my
hard-earned reputation. All I desire is to do the work of the Liberian people unhindered. Is that
too much to ask for? Why are they fighting me?
8. Responding to count ten (10) of the resolution on submission of budget, it saddens me to
know that the board would allege this without first raising its concern with the entity. I took
Over the NPHIL in August 2024 at the time the budget year has passed. Hence, there was no budget hearing. When the Ministry of Finance requested all agencies to prepared their budget for Fiscal Year 2025, the NPHIL complied and we submitted the draft-budget to the board on January 24, 2025 and the board approved the budget submitted for 2025 (please see attached evidence- Appendix-XI… see attached budget notification). Hence, with this evidence, for the statement of the Board that it was unaware of the budget submission is inaccurate and misleading to the office of the President.
Regarding count I I of the board’s resolution concerning the entity’s media activities, NPHIL’s public aflairs overseen by the Division of Communications and Government Relations.
“National Public Health Institute Of Liberia, this department is explicitly referenced in the Human Resource Management Policy of 2022, which was approved by the board. The policy’s Organogram shows that this department operates under the Deputy Director General for Administration and is specifically responsible for NPHIL’s public affairs. Aside from the board’s desire to micromanage the department’s Affairs, I believe it is effectively fulfilling its assigned responsibilities. NPHIL like all other government agencies have media presence similar to e-Mansion, press conferences, at a explanation, and rumor or misinformation-control through which disease prevention and public health awareness are communicated to the public throughout the country.” Dr. Nyan continued.
On the issues of Preventing and Controlling Public Health Threats, Dr. M\Nyan said claims that he handles the affairs of NPHIL in the media is misleading and untrue, as the board itself established this department. The department is doing a great job in showcasing NPHIL’s work and providing the public with accurate and sufficient information about NPHIL’s operations. In science, providing accurate and timely information helps reduce public tension during an outbreak or suspected outbreak.
“Therefore, Mr. President, I ardently plead that you kindly review the documentation attached as evidence supporting my responses to the board. Mr. President, I only wish to serve my country with transparency, accountability, sincerity and integrity; without those qualities, systemic failure may occur, reflecting poorly on your administration.” Dr. Nyan’s Response concludes.
However, since the establishment of NPHIL, no Director General has ever completed a full tenure.
According to the resolution, Dr. Nyan’s tenure as head of the country’s lead public health institution was marked by a litany of administrative and managerial failures. The Board accused the Director General of persistently bypassing statutory oversight, operating without transparency, and making unilateral decisions that undermined the governance structure of the Institute.
Specifically, the Board stated that Dr. Nyan repeatedly failed to involve the Board in critical decision-making processes concerning NPHIL’s operations. There was an ongoing lack of coordination and collaboration between NPHIL and the Ministry of Health.
The Board also cited non-adherence to its statutory role as the governing authority of the Institute and noted that Dr. Nyan made numerous foreign trips without informing either the Board or any acting Director General during his absence.
The resolution further indicated that Dr. Nyan sent official communications to both the President of Liberia and the National Legislature without the knowledge or input of the Board. Partners also raised concerns about his leadership and conduct.
The Board noted that the institutional budget was submitted without their approval and institutional affairs were often discussed in the media without their authorization. These issues, the Board said, represent serious governance failures.
However, in a swift response, Dr. Nyan stated that the counts in the resolution were all Baseless and Politically Motivated.
Dr. Nyan maintained that he regularly reported to the Board and accused its leadership of intimidation and conspiracy. He said decisions made under his leadership were duly communicated, including disciplinary actions and financial reports.
He noted that the NPHIL Act grants the Director General operational independence in day-to-day management and that the Board had violated the Act by holding meetings in his absenEce — yet still requesting “sitting fees” for those sessions.
“The Board has come in violation of the Act by conducting meetings that intentionally excluded the Director General, who is the Secretary to the Board,” he said.
he former NPHIL boss also denied claims that he traveled without informing the Board, stressing that all his international missions were official, donor-funded assignments approved through proper channels.
“All travels I have undertaken since assuming office in August 2024 were official and largely sponsored by the Africa CDC and ECOWAS-WAHO,” he noted. “These allegations are tantamount to an orchestrated conspiracy against me.”
Cooperation, Not Conflict
Dr. Nyan further dismissed accusations of poor coordination with the Ministry of Health and other agencies, citing examples of ongoing partnerships — including the Mpox vaccination rollout with the Ministry of Health, laboratory collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture, and a Ph.D. program with the University of Liberia.
“If the Board insists that there was a lack of coordination, let it provide evidence,” he challenged. “We have worked with every partner and agency with professionalism and transparency.”
In his letter, Dr. Nyan attached several documents to substantiate his claims. Some of the documents seen by the authoritative Independent Probe include a letter addressed to Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto on March 4, 2025, inviting her and her team to an Incident Management System and National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee (NEPRC) meeting.
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Meanwhile, in his letter, Dr. Nyan urged President Boakai to review the attached documents and evidence, which he said clearly refuted the Board’s claims.
“I only wish to serve my country with transparency, accountability, sincerity, and integrity. Without those qualities, systemic failure may occur, reflecting poorly on your administration.” Dr. Nyan wrote.
While at the National Public Health Institute, Dr. Nyan, – under his leadership, NPHIL received commendations for its robust response to the Mpox outbreak and its renewed focus on disease surveillance and laboratory capacity.
Dr. Nyan oversaw the detection and genetic characterization of a new Monkeypox virus strain in Liberia, known as Mpox Clade 1B . This strain, identified at the National Reference Laboratory in Charlesville in 2024, was the first such detection in Liberia in over 50 years and was published in the scientific journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Nyan also holds memberships in the International Society for Infectious Diseases, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
