MONROVIA – The internal crisis rocking the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) has escalated into a bitter war of words, with Financial Secretary Beauford Okai dismissing allegations of forgery and corruption as “diabolical” and “grave.”
By Jaheim T. Tumu – jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
The fallout follows a March 26 press conference where LCF President Gonkartee Dekpah publicly accused Okai and a prominent member, Madam Windor Tarplah, of financial impropriety.
Dekpah alleged that Okai had “absconded” with the federation’s operational funds, specifically citing a sum of $115 USD.
“The financial secretary has gone out with our little operational fund. He’s nowhere to be seen,” Dekpah told reporters. “He is on the run with just $115 USD. You can imagine.”
“A Programmed Audit”
Breaking his silence, Okai countered that the dispute is not about missing funds, but about President Dekpah’s “unilateral” and “illegal” governance.
He claimed the President bypassed the Executive Committee to establish an audit committee a move Okai described as a targeted “witch hunt.”
“In this federation, an audit committee is constituted through the acquiescence of the Executive Committee and the body,” Okai explained. “The President unilaterally picked a guy who has been bitter against me since I defeated him in an election. We will not fall for a programmed audit where the intent is already compromised.”
Forgery Allegations and Legal Redress
The most explosive charge from President Dekpah was that Okai had previously “faked the signature” of former LCF President Thomas Karyah to withdraw money from the federation’s account.
Okai reacted with fury to the claim, labeling it the “most ridiculous thing” in his professional career.
“When you bring this kind of grave allegation to the public, you must show evidence. The President did not do that,” Okai said. “That lie is so blatant that I am highly considering a defamation suit to protect my character and pressing charges.”
Okai clarified a specific $160 transaction, noting that the former president approved the withdrawal, the recipient signed for it, and a receipt was issued. “I have always made the President sign documents because I knew that one day, people would claim we acted unilaterally,” he added.
Counter-Accusations of $12,000 Mismanagement
Turning the tables, Okai accused President Dekpah of executing transactions totaling $12,000 USD without providing any supporting documentation to the federation.
“Up to now, he has not given us a proper document on those transactions. That is why my report remains a draft it cannot be consolidated without his transparency.” Beauford Okai, LCF Financial Secretary
Okai maintained that he is the most transparent financial officer the LCF has ever had, claiming he has provided members with unprecedented access to financial reports.
Tenure and “Electoral Madness”
The friction has also stalled the federation’s electoral process. Okai argued that the current leadership’s mandate expired on April 16, 2026, yet Dekpah is allegedly attempting to delay elections until November.
“The President cannot decide to stay until November. You must convene a meeting with the Executive Committee on electoral matters,” Okai argued, backing Madam Tarplah’s earlier dismissal of Dekpah as an “accidental president” suffering from “March madness.”
“Toxic Relationship”
Addressing the $115 USD “petty cash” allegation, Okai dismissed it with a touch of sarcasm, stating the amount held for prizes wasn’t even enough for his “weekly pocket change,” let alone worth ruining a reputation over. He even noted he had previously promised $500 USD of his own money to support the federation.
“The unfortunate part is that we have a president who has exhibited myopic thinking,” Okai concluded. “All he has achieved is building a very toxic relationship and bringing the entire Liberia Chess Federation to public disrepute.”
