MONROVIA – Prominent social justice advocate and writer Madam Grace RK Guar has expressed outrage over the decision to grant bail to disgraced former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, who is facing corruption charges. In a public statement on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Guar condemned the Liberian criminal justice system for what she sees as a failure to uphold accountability.
“Samuel D. Tweah, who evaded justice for weeks, should have been considered a flight risk,” Guar remarked. “His release on bail undermines public trust in our legal system. It’s a disgrace that the system allows individuals with influence to walk free, even after blatantly disrespecting the rule of law. It sometimes hurts to be a Liberian when fairness, equality, and integrity are compromised like this.”
The controversy stems from Criminal Court “C” Judge Blamo Dixon’s decision to grant Tweah an $8 million USD bail bond, allowing him to return home as he awaits trial. Tweah, who had been a fugitive after an arrest warrant was issued in June, voluntarily surrendered to authorities. The former finance minister, accused of embezzling millions during his time in office under former President George Weah, is set to face trial on November 12, 2024.
Tweah’s legal troubles stem from allegations that he played a central role in the misappropriation of funds during his tenure as Finance Minister, a position he held throughout the Weah administration. The case has drawn widespread attention, with many viewing it as one of the most significant corruption trials in Liberia’s recent history. The outcome of Tweah’s trial could have serious implications not just for him, but also for other officials connected to financial misconduct during the previous government.
On Wednesday, Tweah appeared at Criminal Court “C” in Monrovia, accompanied by his legal team, led by Cllr. Arthur Johnson, his brother Norris Tweah, and aide Aloysius Howe. Despite facing serious corruption charges, Tweah appeared calm and composed, walking freely into the courthouse without handcuffs. Dressed in a grey suit and flashing smiles, the former minister greeted colleagues with confidence, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of the situation.
The courthouse, heavily guarded by police, was notably absent of large crowds of supporters from Tweah’s political party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), signaling a stark contrast to past displays of loyalty. This marked Tweah’s first public appearance since the government’s accusations of his involvement in a multi-million-dollar embezzlement scheme surfaced.
Madam Guar, like many Liberians, is frustrated by the perception that the country’s justice system is being manipulated by individuals with connections and influence. “This bond is a slap in the face of ordinary Liberians who struggle for justice. Our system is failing its people by allowing the powerful to escape accountability,” she asserted.
With his trial fast approaching, Tweah’s indictment is expected to be read in open court, where he will formally face charges related to financial misconduct and embezzlement. If convicted, the consequences could be far-reaching, not only for Tweah but for other former officials implicated in corruption during the Weah administration.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the trial of Samuel D. Tweah has become a litmus test for Liberia’s commitment to fighting corruption and restoring public trust in its institutions. Many are watching closely, hoping for a verdict that sends a strong message about the importance of integrity and accountability in the nation’s governance.
