Published: April 21, 2025
GARDNERSVILLE — The management of National Beverage Inc., the sole owner and producer of Diamond Mineral Water, has strongly distanced itself from and rejected what it describes as misleading media reports circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, alleging that the company has endangered public health by re-bottling water under unhygienic conditions.
The company disclosed that the claims are based on a video illegally filmed on its premises by unknown individuals several years ago.
In a press statement issued Saturday, April 19, 2025, the company said the video, which has recently resurfaced online via some media outlets, is being falsely portrayed as a recent discovery of unsanitary conditions at its production site. The company emphasized that these media entities have intentionally and maliciously revived an old, debunked claim to misinform the public while ignoring the principles of professional journalism.
National Beverage described the claims as “entirely baseless, malicious, and part of a coordinated propaganda effort aimed at defaming its image and eroding public trust it has built over many years.”
The company recalled that on Sept. 11, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through then-Deputy Minister for Industry Thomas G. Goba Sr., formally notified the company of a similar concern raised during a media talk show. The Ministry later initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
Documents in possession of The Liberian Investigator from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the National Standards Laboratory (NSL) confirm the Liberian government’s full involvement in assessing the company’s production process and facilities.
According to the company, a government team comprising Nyenati Kaffey Sr., director of Industrial Development and Compliance Support; Abraham Swaray, director of Standards; and Rufus T. Kakar was assigned to carry out the assessment following the ministry’s notification.
On Sept. 25, 2023, the NSL released its official report, clearing the company of any wrongdoing. The report confirmed that all chemicals and procedures used in water production by the company met national health and safety standards. The report was reviewed by Sunday J. Kerkula, laboratory coordinator, and approved by Konah O. Reeves, technical manager of the NSL.
Following the report, Goba formally congratulated the management in writing on Sept. 27, 2023, affirming that Diamond Mineral Water is safe, fit for human consumption, and fully approved for sale in the Liberian market.
“In the letter, the Ministry commended our cooperation during the inspection and confirmed that our product satisfied all required standards,” the company stated. “The Ministry also announced that it would continue to monitor our production processes for a period of 90 days, led by Abraham Swaray of the Division of Standards.”
Given the findings of the government’s official investigation, the company said it is unfortunate and disgraceful that some media outlets are deliberately reviving old, discredited content to mislead the public. It said such actions not only violate journalistic ethics but also aim to exploit public trust for personal or political gain.
“National Beverage Inc. hereby issues a stern warning to those spreading this outdated video and false claims: Cease and desist immediately or face legal consequences,” the company emphasized. “We will pursue all legal avenues available to protect our brand and our customers from disinformation.”
The company further reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to producing and delivering high-quality, safe, and refreshing drinking water for all Liberians.
“We remain focused, undistracted, and dedicated to upholding the highest standards in our operations,” the statement concluded. “Diamond Mineral Water continues to stand as a symbol of purity, reliability, and excellence—and will remain the best water in Liberia.”
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