-As Former Minister Cries Political Witch-Hunt
MONROVIA – Liberia’s former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah is facing a fresh legal and political storm after the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force formally summoned him for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of more than US$20.5 million in rice subsidy funds.
The latest development comes only days after Tweah’s acquittal in the controversial Joint Security funds case and signals what could become another major confrontation between the former Coalition for Democratic Change official and the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
In a formal communication dated May 13, 2026, AREPT informed Tweah that investigators are probing allegations involving “theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of funds, criminal conspiracy, and criminal facilitation” tied to the government’s rice subsidy program implemented between September 2021 and October 2022.
According to the letter, the alleged scheme involved approximately US$20.5 million intended to reduce the price of a 25-kilogram bag of rice on the Liberian market.
AREPT Alleges Diversion of Rice Subsidy Funds
The Task Force claims that records and documents currently in its possession allegedly reveal that payments made by the Government of Liberia for rice price reduction were “stolen and diverted to personal use,” with little or no impact on reducing market prices during the period under investigation.
The letter further alleges that Tweah, while serving as Finance Minister under former President George Weah, acted “in concert with others” to approve and process payments linked to the subsidy program.
“Reliable and classified records in the custody of AREPT’s investigation allegedly reveal that you, as Former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, allegedly acted in concert with others under investigation to approve and process payment at the Ministry of Finance for the rice subsidy that was allegedly diverted to personal use,” the Task Force stated in the communication.
The letter, signed by AREPT Core Member John M. Gbilee Jr. and approved by Task Force Chairman Edwin Kla Martin, invited Tweah to appear before investigators on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Asset Recovery Headquarters in Paynesville.
AREPT also requested that the former minister appear with legal counsel.
Tweah Responds Defiantly
Shortly after the letter surfaced publicly, Tweah posted a lengthy and defiant response on his Facebook page, accusing the Boakai administration of pursuing another politically motivated campaign against him.
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter just transmitted 15 minutes ago and will formally respond,” Tweah wrote.
“I had already discussed this letter on my page in anticipation of what I described as a bogus investigation into the legal fulfillment of my responsibilities as Minister of Finance and Development Planning,” he added.
The former minister insisted that the rice subsidy payments were lawful and carried out with full executive and legislative authorization.
“The subsidies in question were lawfully paid after approval from the President of the Republic, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah and the National Legislature, in consultation with the IMF,” Tweah declared.
He further confirmed that he intends to personally honor the invitation from the Task Force.
“I will appear in person at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, along with my lawyer to answer any queries you may have into my responsibilities as the Minister concerning this matter,” he stated.
Plans for National Address
But beyond the legal response, Tweah also signaled plans for a broader political counteroffensive against the Unity Party government.
According to him, immediately after appearing before investigators, he will deliver a public address at the Center for Intellectual Exchange and Opinion (CIEO), where he intends to denounce what he termed “another failed and doomed attempt at politically witch-hunting and targeting” him.
Tweah additionally promised to speak on what he described as the “broader decline of governance and failures under the Rescue Mission” — a direct reference to President Boakai’s governing agenda.
The latest confrontation adds to the increasingly tense political atmosphere surrounding anti-corruption investigations targeting former officials of the Weah administration.
Fresh Pressure After Court Acquittal
Earlier this week, Tweah publicly hinted that another investigation was imminent after disclosing that his lawyer, Cllr. Arthur Tamba Johnson, had been contacted by AREPT regarding an unspecified letter.
At the time, Tweah vowed he would never “kowtow to political intimidation and blackmail.”
The former minister’s comments came against the backdrop of growing public debate following his acquittal in the high-profile US$6.2 million Joint Security funds case.
While Tweah and former FIA Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper were acquitted, other co-defendants — including former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan and former National Security Advisor Jefferson S. Karmoh — were convicted on several charges.
The mixed verdict has continued to generate political controversy and legal debate across Liberia.
Rice Subsidy Program Under Renewed Scrutiny
The rice subsidy initiative was introduced during the Weah administration as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising global commodity prices and ease economic hardship for ordinary Liberians.
At the time, government officials argued that subsidizing rice prices was necessary to stabilize the market and protect vulnerable households from inflation and food insecurity.
However, critics frequently questioned the transparency, implementation, and monitoring mechanisms surrounding the program.
Now, with AREPT alleging that millions of dollars may have been diverted without significantly reducing rice prices, the program itself is returning to the center of national controversy.
The Boakai administration has repeatedly defended the work of the Asset Recovery Task Force, insisting that anti-corruption efforts are evidence-based and not politically motivated.
Former officials of the CDC government, however, continue to accuse the administration of selectively targeting opposition figures through criminal investigations and public prosecutions.
As Tuesday’s scheduled appearance approaches, the latest standoff between Samuel Tweah and the government appears poised to evolve into both a legal battle and a broader political showdown.
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