MONROVIA, LIBERIA — A political pressure group has announced plans for a sit-in at the Temple of Justice beginning Tuesday, July 23, 2024, unless the Supreme Court delivers a ruling in the Assets Recovery versus Gracious Ride case. Led by Executive Director Varney Kromah, the group has given the court a four-day ultimatum to resolve the case or face civil disobedience.
In a news conference on July 18, 2024, Kromah expressed frustration over the Supreme Court’s delays in reaching a verdict. He accused the court of employing a “dangling strategy” to avoid making a decision, which he believes undermines efforts to combat corruption and erodes public trust in the judicial system. Kromah asserted that the court’s inaction represents a betrayal of the fight against corruption and a disservice to the Liberian people, who are suffering as a result of alleged corruption.
Kromah criticized the Supreme Court for its perceived reluctance to conclude the case, which has been pending for several months. He argued that this delay is detrimental not only to the pursuit of justice but also to Liberia’s reputation with international investors. By failing to act promptly, the court risks damaging the country’s standing as a viable investment destination, according to Kromah.
The group has called for the Supreme Court to treat the case as a national emergency. They argue that the widespread issue of corruption is keeping many Liberians in poverty, and immediate judicial action is necessary to address this critical problem. Kromah acknowledged the substantial contributions of the international community and various individuals and groups in supporting the Asset Recovery Team, which was established by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to investigate and recover illegally obtained government assets.
However, the Green Revolution believes that the case’s stagnation in the Supreme Court is a deliberate tactic to obstruct the fight against corruption. They allege that certain individuals are using the court’s delays to shield themselves from justice. Kromah cited Article 3 of the 1986 Constitution, which outlines the separation of powers among the government branches, and accused the court of overstepping its role and interfering with the executive branch’s constitutional authority.
According to Kromah, the delays in the court’s proceedings have led to serious consequences, including the suspected smuggling of government vehicles across borders and the misappropriation of funds. He warned that such actions undermine the integrity of the government and exacerbate the nation’s corruption issues.
The pressure group is also urging the international community, including the US Embassy and other diplomatic missions in Monrovia, to continue supporting asset recovery efforts. They emphasized that recovered resources are essential for improving public services, such as healthcare, and for providing vital services to ordinary Liberians who are in dire need.
The controversy surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision to reserve its ruling on July 4, 2024, has intensified. The court’s decision to deny the Ministry of Justice representation—allegedly due to perceived bias in favor of the Asset Recovery Team—has been criticized by the group as an attempt to undermine the executive’s efforts. The activists are pushing for the court to expedite its decision to facilitate the fight against corruption and ensure accountability in public governance.
