Liberia’s Former Finance Minister Faces Scrutiny Over $6.2 Million Transfers
Monrovia, Liberia — A high-ranking official from Liberia’s Central Bank (CBL) has delivered crucial testimony in court, asserting that former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah could not have single-handedly authorized withdrawals from the government’s consolidated account. The testimony challenges a central claim in the prosecution’s case, which alleges that Tweah instructed the transfer of $6.2 million last September without proper authorization.
William Grant Jlopleh, the CBL’s Director of Banking, appeared as a subpoenaed witness before Criminal Court “C” on Tuesday, explaining that withdrawals from the consolidated account require approval from multiple authorized officials. He emphasized that the CBL operates under strict procedural mandates, which include specific combinations of signatures based on pre-approved guidelines.
“No single individual, including the finance minister, can independently instruct the CBL to process a withdrawal,” Jlopleh told the court. “Any instruction must conform to the mandate on file, and the policy does not allow the minister to approve disbursements in a personal capacity.”
The Prosecution’s Allegations
The case centers on three letters dated September 8, 19, and 21, 2023, addressed to former CBL Governor J. Aloysius Tarlue Jr. Prosecutors allege these letters, bearing Tweah’s signature or approval, led to the transfer of $6.2 million from the government’s consolidated account to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA). The funds were ostensibly designated for national security purposes.
The prosecution argues that Tweah’s instructions were the driving force behind the transactions, forming the basis of their case against the former minister and his co-defendants.
Procedural Safeguards in Question
Jlopleh’s testimony raises critical questions about whether the transfers complied with CBL’s procedural mandates. He explained that transactions from the consolidated account require signatures from authorized officials, based on a mandate card and specimen signatures submitted when the account is opened.
The mandate card identifies who is authorized to sign and specifies the combinations required for different transaction thresholds. According to Jlopleh, at least two authorized signatories are typically needed before any transaction can be processed.
Among the designated signatories are former Comptroller General Janga Kowo, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs Samora P. Z. Wolokolie, and former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah. However, Jlopleh stressed that Tweah could not act alone in authorizing withdrawals.
Legal Implications of the Testimony
The testimony introduces a pivotal procedural issue: whether the disputed transactions adhered to CBL’s mandate requirements or were processed outside established controls. If the court finds that the mandate procedures were followed, it could complicate the prosecution’s efforts to pin liability on Tweah or any individual acting alone. Conversely, any deviation from those procedures could bolster the state’s case and allegations of irregularity.
This legal battle underscores broader concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of public funds in Liberia. The case has drawn significant attention as it highlights the safeguards designed to prevent misuse of government resources.
What’s Next?
The trial continues with the court set to examine documentary evidence and hear further testimony surrounding the disputed transactions. Legal experts suggest that Jlopleh’s testimony could significantly influence the case’s trajectory, particularly as it challenges the prosecution’s narrative of unilateral action by Tweah.
As the proceedings unfold, all eyes are on Criminal Court “C” to determine whether the transfers adhered to institutional safeguards or whether irregularities occurred. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving the handling of public funds in Liberia.
— Reported by Nexio News
