The Government of Liberia (GOL) says it has issued an Interpol Red Notice for Samuel Tweah, the former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, following his failure to appear in court to face serious allegations of financial misconduct.
The Red Notice, a global request for the arrest and extradition of individuals wanted by member countries, was confirmed by Liberia’s Minister of Information, Jerominlek Piah, and marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to hold Tweah accountable.
Samuel Tweah, who served under the administration of former President George Weah as Minister of Finance, is accused of mismanaging state funds and engaging in corrupt practices during his tenure. Despite repeated summons, Tweah has consistently failed to turn himself over to the court, prompting the government to seek international assistance in apprehending him.
Minister Piah, in a press briefing, underscored the gravity of the situation, expressing deep frustration over Tweah’s blatant disregard for the court’s orders. “Accountability and transparency are pillars of good governance,” Piah stated. “Mr. Tweah’s non-compliance with the legal process is unacceptable and undermines the rule of law.
The issuance of the Red Notice reflects our unwavering commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring that former officials are held responsible for their actions, regardless of their status or influence.”
The move to Issue the Red Notice is seen as a critical step in Liberia’s broader fight against corruption, which has long been a corrosive force undermining the nation’s development. By seeking international cooperation in bringing Tweah to justice, Liberia is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate impunity for those accused of looting public resources.
International response to Liberia’s action has been largely supportive, with several global anti-corruption organizations praising the government’s determination to uphold the rule of law.
The case is being closely watched by international observers, who see it as a litmus test for Liberia’s commitment to reform and transparency in governance. Should the government succeed in bringing Tweah to justice, it could mark a significant turning point in the nation’s ongoing battle against entrenched corruption.
This latest development follows a sweeping and unprecedented anti-corruption drive initiated by the Government of the Republic of Liberia, in which several prominent former government officials have been formally charged with an array of serious offenses.
On July 29, 2024, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), charged Samuel D. Tweah alongside other high-profile figures, including Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, former Acting Minister of Justice; Stanley S. Ford, former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA); D. Moses P. Cooper, former Comptroller of the FIA; and Jefferson Karmoh, former National Security Advisor.
The charges against these individuals were extensive and included Economic Sabotage, Theft and/or Illegal Disbursement and Expenditure of Public Money, Theft of Property, Criminal Facilitation, and Criminal Conspiracy. These charges were formally filed before the Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice, with Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco presiding over the case.
According to the indictment, the defendants orchestrated sophisticated schemes to defraud the government, which began in July 2023 and culminated in September of the same year.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants violated the National Security Act of Liberia by unlawfully appointing Stanley S. Ford to the National Security Council, a move that was part of a broader plan to facilitate the embezzlement of public funds.
The amounts In question are staggering: L$1,055,152,540.00 and US$500,000.00 were allegedly transferred from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to the operational accounts of the FIA, only to be subsequently withdrawn and misappropriated for the personal benefit of the accused. The Ministry of Justice and the LACC argue that these actions were deliberate, malicious, and aimed at defrauding the Liberian government, severely undermining the nation’s financial integrity.
This case has far-reaching implications, not just for the individuals involved but for the entire country. The alleged embezzlement of such a large sum of money has had a devastating impact on Liberia’s economy, exacerbating issues of poverty, unemployment, and inadequate public services. The funds that were allegedly stolen could have been used to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other critical areas that directly affect the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Moreover, this case is emblematic of the broader issues of trust and accountability that have plagued Liberia’s public sector for years. The government’s aggressive pursuit of justice in this matter is a clear attempt to restore public confidence in its institutions and demonstrate that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.
By: Blesset D. Kpenkennie
