Published: May 22, 2026
MONROVIA — Former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. appeared before the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce on Thursday in connection with an investigation into the alleged misapplication of approximately $20.5 million in rice subsidy funds, then departed the premises with his legal team over what his lawyers described as concerns about procedural arrangements at the Taskforce headquarters.
The walkout sets up a direct confrontation between Tweah’s legal team and an institution that says its protocols apply equally to everyone under investigation, regardless of status or position. AREPT said Thursday it will issue a subsequent invitation to Tweah as part of the continuing investigation.
The investigation centers on allegations of theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of funds, criminal conspiracy and criminal facilitation linked to government payments made through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to subsidize the price of rice on the Liberian market.
Tweah’s appearance Thursday came after his legal counsel had already requested a rescheduling of an earlier appearance date. AREPT said it accommodated that request and set the new date in keeping with due process and institutional cooperation. Shortly after Tweah arrived at the compound, however, his lawyers informed the Taskforce chairman they were leaving.
AREPT did not specify in its statement what procedural concerns Tweah’s lawyers raised, but the institution was pointed in its response.
“AREPT wishes to clarify that the institution maintains established procedures and administrative protocols that apply equally to all individuals invited to appear before the Taskforce, irrespective of status or position,” the statement said. “These procedures are intended to ensure order, professionalism, fairness, and due process throughout the conduct of investigations.”
The Taskforce stressed that its invitation process is not intended to be confrontational but forms part of lawful investigative procedures designed to allow individuals to respond to matters under review.
AREPT reaffirmed its commitment to conducting all investigations in accordance with Executive Order No. 161 and the laws of Liberia, and assured the public that all persons connected to ongoing investigations will be treated fairly and accorded full due process.
Discussion about this post