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In August 2006, the European Union (EU), in concert with the Liberian government, requested applications from Liberians and non-Liberians for the post of Auditor-General of Liberia. The job was advertised in 150 countries. By addressing the issue of public accountability, the EU and other international partners are, for the first time, addressing the real reason for Liberia’s ‘growth without development’. They are also addressing the real reasons we have ‘growth without jobs.’ Making the GAO independent will empower the institution to serve as a frontier to fight fraud, waste and abuse in Liberia. This is a monumental leap to desired social changes, innovations and political stability in over 150 years of Liberia’s existence as an independent nation. Brussels called this partnership with the Liberian government a ‘Special Dispensation’, which is the first of its kind from the EU…a revolutionary approach or a paradigm shift to development in Africa, one would guess. The EU picked John Sembe Morlu, II, a Liberian financial expert, well versed in auditing and financial management. The GAO nominee comes to the position of Auditor-General with a wealth of experience in the financial world. He’s meticulous and brilliant in his field of specialty. He’s innovative and a writer, by hobby, with finesse. Mr. Morlu has managed U.S. projects in 24 countries including breakaway republics of the former Soviet Union. Such responsibilities define his managerial skill, as well as his people-to-people skill, also. Morlu worked for Unisys Corporation, a firm operating in more than 120 countries, as audit manager. He also worked for BearingPoint (formerly KPMG) as senior consultant with the United States Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. He served as Senior Financial Analyst for Teligent, ensuring compliance with US Security and Exchange Commission public financial reporting guidelines and US GAAP, particularly revenue recognition. Morlu holds an MBA in Finance from Johns Hopkins, a Masters in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University, and double bachelors in Economics and International Relations from the Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia. Morlu also holds several professional certifications including Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Financial Manager (CFM), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), and Certified Masters in Business Administration (CMBA). Morlu has experience Federal Government Accounting (FASAB Statements), State and Local Government Accounting (GASB 34), private sector accounting--(FASB Statements), and costing Accounting standards (CASB Statements). Morlu faces enormous challenges if he is to make positive changes in a country so entrenched in financial malpractices. Mr. John Morlu has developed the professional vigilance and character clout needed to tackle the intricate and corrupt dust that plagues the public sector in Liberia. He will find in President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf a partner to institute the changes needed to turn the war-torn country around. This is a Herculean challenge, The EU vetting process and subsequent decision to hire him is a clear testimony that he’s one fine Liberian that is committed, with tooth and nail, to show the world that Liberia will rise up and become of model of transparency, accountability and good governance. |
