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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: The Government of Liberia has indicted several former and current officials for the alleged theft and diversion of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rice, intended for disaster victims and vulnerable communities, was reportedly misappropriated through a coordinated internal conspiracy involving multiple government agencies.
The indictment was secured by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, following a comprehensive investigation into the handling of 29,412 bags of rice donated in April 2023.
According to AREPT, 25,054 bags, valued at approximately USD $425,918, were unlawfully diverted through unauthorized meetings, usurpation of statutory authority, and undocumented removal and distribution. The rice never reached its intended recipients.
The following individuals have been formally indicted:
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
Henry O. Williams – Former Executive Director, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)
Augustine Tamba – Deputy Director for Operations, NDMA
Augustine M. Kollie – Director for Disaster Victims, NDMA
Edward S. Konneh – Employee, NDMA
Archievego M. Doe – Communications Director, NDMA
Edris Bility – Former Deputy Director for Operations, GSA
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
Evelyn Gbee – Warehouse Manager, GSA
Some of the suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement, confirming a systemic abuse of public trust.
The accused face multiple charges under Liberian law, including: Theft of Property, Economic Sabotage, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Abuse of Office and Criminal Conspiracy
“These are serious offenses that represent a grave betrayal of public trust,” said Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, head of the AREPT Taskforce. “This indictment is just the beginning. More cases will follow.”
The government has also issued a ne exeat republica, a travel ban to prevent any of the accused from fleeing the country as prosecution begins.
This case is the first of three concluded investigations among 30 ongoing cases being pursued by AREPT. Additional indictments are expected in July.
Officials say the scandal has not only deprived disaster victims of essential aid but also tarnished Liberia’s international standing and undermined public confidence in government institutions.
Under Cllr. Martin’s leadership, the Taskforce has pledged to continue its mandate to investigate, recover, and prosecute all instances of public asset theft.
“This is a clear signal that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” Martin added. “We remain fully engaged with our national and international partners to ensure accountability and restore public trust.”
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