The Government through the Asset Recovery Task Force has indicted ex-Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, former GSA Boss Mary Broh, and others for allegedly embezzling 29,412 bags of rice valued about half a million USD that was donated by Saudi Arabia in 2023.
This follows a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal diversion of 29,412 bags of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2023.
The donation was intended to support disaster victims and vulnerable communities across Liberia.
Indicted Individuals Include: Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mary Broh, former Director General, General Services Agency (GSA), Varney A. Sirleaf, former Minister of Internal Affairs, Thelma Sawyer, former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs/Administration, and Henry O. Williams, former Executive Director, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
Other indicted include, Augustine Tamba, Deputy Director for Operations, NDMA, Augustine M. Kollie, and Director for Disaster Victims, NDMA, Edward S. Konneh, Employee, NDMA, Archievego M. Doe, Communications Director, NDMA, and Edris Bility, former Deputy Director for Operations, GSA.
The list continues, Mamie Davies, Assistant Director, GSA, Momolu Johnson, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs/Administration, Rosetta L. Gbassay Bowah, Logistics Officer, NDMA, Wayfa Ciapha, Purported CEO, Group of 77, and Evelyn Gbee – Warehouse Manager, GSA.
Investigators found that 25,054 bags of rice, valued at approximately USD $425,918, were unlawfully diverted.
Instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries, the rice was allegedly stolen through a network of secret and unauthorized meetings, usurpation of the NDMA’s statutory functions, and unrecorded removal and distribution.
Some of the accused have reportedly confessed to their roles, confirming a coordinated conspiracy and gross abuse of public trust.
The charges brought against these former top officials include, Theft of Property, Economic Sabotage, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Abuse of Office, and Criminal Conspiracy.
These charges against these ex-officials violate statutory provisions of Liberian laws thus eroding public trust and accountability.
Vulnerable disaster victims were allegedly deprived of essential food assistance, Saudi Arabia’s goodwill was undermined, and international confidence in Liberia’s governance was shaken. It also deepened the public’s mistrust of government institutions.
This is the first indictment resulting from three completed investigations, with 30 active cases still under review by AREPT.
According to a release from AREPT, more indictments are expected in July.
The release, among other things asserted that to prevent flight risk, the government has issued ne exeat republica orders, travel restrictions, against the accused.
“Under the leadership of Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, AREPT has reaffirmed its commitment to holding all those who misappropriate public assets accountable,” the statement read.
Continuing, the statement noted: “This action, the Taskforce said, signals that corruption will no longer be tolerated. AREPT continues to work closely with national and international partners to restore public trust and ensure government resources benefit the Liberian people.”
