By New Dawn

Copyright thenewdawnliberia

A health worker who also serves as a pastor says that corruption and mismanagement are eroding trust within the management of the Phebe Referral Hospital in Gnarnga, Bong County.

By: Edwin N. Khakie

Gbarnga, Biong County: Rev. Arkoi Miller, Assistant Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Gbarnga and a Nurse Anesthetist at Phebe Hospital and the Ministry of Health, has raised serious concerns about alleged corruption, financial mismanagement, and dwindling trust within the administration of Phebe Referral Hospital, charges he says are eroding the institution’s credibility and crippling its operations.

Speaking during his regular Sunday sermon on September 21, Rev. Miller accused the hospital’s leadership of failing to properly account for funds provided by both government and international partners, a situation he believes has led to reduced donor confidence and declining support.

“The reason why Phebe is going down is because of trust issues,” Rev. Miller declared. “Partners don’t trust the hospital anymore, especially because some of those in the administration, who are members of the Lutheran Church, have not been fair and sincere with our partners.”

He urged the hospital’s board of directors to institute reforms, including the appointment of new leadership from outside the current administration, preferably someone with strong international links, to rebuild trust and restore the institution’s reputation. According to him, more than 18 individuals, including the current Acting Administrator and Finance Officer, have already expressed interest in the hospital’s vacant leadership posts.

Rev. Miller further alleged that the funds allocated to Phebe Hospital during the most recent Bong County Council Sitting were not reported transparently. He said the acting administration claimed the money was spent on fuel but failed to provide a detailed financial breakdown.

In contrast, he commended the management of C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Gbarnga under Administrator Enoch Morris, noting that Morris had presented a clear and comprehensive financial report to the County Council, detailing the construction of a new security booth, the purchase of essential medical supplies, and other improvements. Rev. Miller said such transparency has strengthened donor confidence in C.B. Dunbar.

Beyond hospital matters, Rev. Miller also addressed spiritual concerns within the church, urging members, particularly the youth of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, to uphold Christian values and live by principles of honesty and faith. He cautioned against hypocrisy, warning that actions contrary to the Gospel discourage others from coming to the church.

He concluded with a call for unity and divine intervention:

“If we must regain our spiritual pride as a church, let us pray for our bishops, pastors, deacons, deaconesses, and the entire membership of the Lutheran Church of Liberia, that God will forgive us and restore the church to its rightful place among others in Liberia.”

The administration of Phebe Hospital has not yet responded publicly to Rev. Miller’s allegations, but investigation continues.- Edited by Othello B. Garblah.