Liberia’s Ex-Finance Minister Faces Fresh Corruption Probe Days After Acquittal
MONROVIA, Liberia — Just days after walking free from a high-profile corruption trial, Liberia’s former finance minister, Samuel D. Tweah Jr., has been summoned for questioning over a new multimillion-dollar scandal.
The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has accused Tweah of misusing $20.5 million in public funds meant to subsidize rice prices during his tenure under former President George Weah. The investigation, launched on May 13, comes barely a week after a jury cleared him of separate corruption charges in a case that had gripped the nation.
New Allegations, Familiar Charges
AREPT claims documents show the rice subsidy funds—intended to lower the cost of 25kg bags of rice—were instead “stolen and diverted for personal use” between September 2021 and October 2022. The task force alleges the program had no measurable impact on rice prices, suggesting the money never reached its intended purpose.
The charges mirror those Tweah recently defeated: theft of property, economic sabotage, criminal conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds. He has been ordered to appear before investigators on May 19 with legal representation.
Tweah Fires Back: “Bogus Investigation”
Tweah swiftly dismissed the probe as political persecution, calling it a “bogus” attempt to target former Weah administration officials. In a social media statement, he insisted the subsidies were lawfully approved by President Weah, Liberia’s legislature, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“If they prosecute me for this, they’re saying the president, lawmakers, and the IMF all approved a criminal act,” he argued. He also claimed he had anticipated the investigation, calling it a deliberate move following his acquittal.
Despite his defiance, Tweah confirmed he will comply with the summons, appearing with his lawyer next week.
Timing Raises Eyebrows
The swiftness of the new probe has fueled skepticism. Tweah was acquitted on May 8; AREPT’s summons arrived just five days later. Critics question whether the Boakai administration is pursuing justice or simply targeting political opponents.
The previous case—centered on $6 million in disputed security spending—ended in a full acquittal after a jury rejected the state’s evidence. Justice Minister Oswald Tweh admitted disappointment but vowed to review the prosecution’s strategy.
Now, with AREPT—a task force directly under presidential control—launching a nearly identical case, observers warn of perceived bias. Unlike Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), AREPT lacks institutional independence, raising concerns over political influence.
Did the Rice Subsidy Fail—or Was It Looted?
The Weah administration introduced the rice subsidy to combat rising food prices amid global inflation. But AREPT contends it had no real effect on costs.
Economists note, however, that subsidy programs often fail for reasons beyond corruption—inefficiency, supply chain leaks, or market forces. Proving criminal intent, as opposed to poor execution, will be the government’s biggest hurdle.
Tweah’s reference to IMF involvement complicates matters. If IMF records confirm Liberia consulted the fund on the subsidies, prosecutors may struggle to frame the program as economic sabotage.
A Broader Crackdown—or a Faltering One?
President Joseph Boakai’s government has vowed to hold Weah-era officials accountable for alleged graft. But the mixed results—partial convictions, acquittals, and retrials—have weakened public confidence.
Tweah’s acquittal was a major blow, given his central role in the previous case. Now, with a second high-stakes probe underway, Liberia faces a pivotal question: Is this a legitimate anti-corruption drive, or a politically motivated witch hunt?
— Reported by Nexio News
