Shakeup At Lofa County Health Team!

By Paul M. Kanneh

A major shakeup has happened at the Lofa County Health Team in Voinjama. Max Ngaima Momo has replaced Koluba B. Akoi as Human Resource Officer for the Lofa County Health Team. Health Minister Dr. Louis Kpoto took the decision to replace Koluba Akoi in a letter dated October 11, 2024. “Dear Mr. Akoi, we present our compliments and write to inform you that you have been recalled from the Lofa County Health Team as Human Resource Officer and you are asked to report to the Human Resources for Health Division pending reassignment”, the letter is quoted as saying.

Both Max Ngaima Momo and Kolubah Akoi are criticized for lacking the basic skills to effectively handle human resource related matters. But critics say both men are being rewarded for the roles they played for their respective political parties during the election period. Up to 2021, Koluba Akoi was a strong supporter of Joseph Boakai, but later joined CDC and became a strong critic of his traditional uncle. Few months later, Akoi was appointed Human Resource Officer, a position he held until his removal on October 11, 2024.  

But Akoi has always defended his decision to support the CDC against his traditional uncle, terming it as his democratic right.  He was seen vigorously campaigning in his native county to ensure victory for his political party. Political observers have linked his removal to the role he played in the 2023 election in which his party lost.

In his acceptance letter on Saturday October 12, 2024, Kolubah B. Akoi wrote: “Yesterday at about 5:20 pm, I received a letter from HR Division of the Ministry of Health recalling me as HR for the Lofa County Health Team and to report to the MOH- HR Division for pending reassignment. Since yesterday, there has been calls and concerns from friends and relatives in Liberia and around the world after it was posted on Facebook.

I am grateful for the opportunity given me for the past 2 years and 10 months to have served my people. Many thanks to the men and women of the Health Team in Lofa: Nurses, Support Staff and the entire Administration for the level of cooperation I received during my time as HR for the LCHT. I am honored to have served you.

I will proceed as instructed for my reassignment and make a decision from that point, but for now, I still have a job”.

Although Akoi sounds like he is willing to accept reassignment, those familiar with him say he is seriously considering returning to the media where he had earlier served with distinction. He is remembered for his coverage of the Ebola crisis in Lofa, where he gained national and international recognition.