Zawu Kota, a Bea Mountain Supply Chain Professional, respectfully submits this open communication to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai; regarding a review and reopening of unresolved cases of unexplained deaths under the former administration of President George M. Weah.
His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia
Executive Mansion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia
January 5, 2026
Your Excellency, President Boakai.
Re: Re‑opening of Unresolved Cases of Unexplained Deaths Under the Former Administration of President George M. Weah.
I trust that Your Excellency enjoyed a restful and joyous festive season and that the New Year has commenced on a hopeful note, as Liberians look forward to increased national development initiatives in collaboration with our Development Partners and other well-wishers.
Permit me to convey my sincere appreciation for the milestone achievement, exemplary discipline, and unwavering commitment to accountability that your administration has demonstrated both foreign and domestic – Noteworthy among these are Liberia’s election as a Non‑Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, through the decisive dismissal and suspension of officials caught in acts of misconduct, the establishment (through executive order and legislative approval) of a War and Economy Crimes Court, ensuring the stabilization and uninterrupted payment of civil servants’ and health works’ salaries – in contrast to the irregular disbursements under the fleetingly past administration, reductions in fuel pump prices and lowering premiums, your commitment to healing the deep wounds of historic divide between Americo‑Liberians and Indigenous communities, your formal state apology for the civil war atrocities, and your lifting up of national unity sends a powerful message – that Liberia’s past divisions cannot define its future. Your actions remind us that true peace is built not only on words, but on courage, accountability, and the willingness to face painful histories together, ending the conclusion of your administration second year in office later this month.
As a Patriot and Nationalist with a deep attachment to my homeland and concern for the welfare of my fellow citizens, especially those less privileged – seeing the nation as a community where everyone’s well – being matters; and on behalf of the deceased Liberian professionals whose lives ended under troubling and unresolved circumstances during the administration of former President George Manneh Weah. I write to appeal to your authority and conscientious leadership for urgent action, such steps would deliver long-overdue closure to grieving families, reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to justice, and signal that no one is above the law.
Your Excellency, President Boakai, between March 2019 and February 2021, a disturbing pattern of high-profile and unclarified deaths occurred, including the cases of senior internal auditors from the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Internal Audit Agency, a broadcast journalist, and other public servants. Official quests for answers were largely deemed inconclusive by grieving families and civil society, who have long suspected foul play and politically motivated targeting the following:
- Matthew J. Innis – Deputy Director for Micro‑finance in the Regulation & Supervision Department at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) – Died under mysterious circumstances in his car on March 2, 2019, shortly after senior CBL officials were arrested.
- Former Representative Adolph Lawrence – Member of the Liberian House of Representative, who had publicly called for inquiry into Innis’s death – found dead on March 25, 2019.
Additionally, four auditing officials from Liberia’s Revenue Authority (LRA) and Internal Audit Agency (IAA) died under alarming or mysterious circumstances:
- Albert Peters – Assistant Commissioner for Internal Audit, LRA. Body found in a car on Broad Street, Monrovia (Oct 2, 2020).
- Gifty Lamah – Acting Manager of Tax Services, LRA. Found dead in same vehicle (Oct 2, 2020).
Autopsies labelled the deaths as accidental or natural causes (e.g. carbon monoxide, hemorrhage), but families and civil society rejected the findings, calling for further investigation.
- George Fahnboto – Auditor at LRA. Died reportedly in car accident on SKD Boulevard (Oct 4, 2020).
- Emmanuel Barten Nyenswa – Director‑General of the Internal Audit Agency. Found dead outside his home with head wounds (Oct 10, 2020).
Beside the deceases registered, between January – February 2020
- Zenu Koboi Miller – a Liberian talk‑show host and broadcast journalist – was physically assaulted by officers of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville (near Monrovia) on January 26, 2020, while covering the National County Meet soccer final. He sustained hits and punches – including being struck with the butt of a firearm.
Miller was hospitalized shortly after the attack and reportedly experienced persistent chest and leg pain. On February 15, 2020, he died in a hospital in Monrovia. According to his death certificate, the cause was listed as hypertension, which family members and colleagues believe was exacerbated by the assault.
February – 2021
- Melvin Earley – U.S.-trained Executive Protection Services (EPS) agent and one of President Weah’s bodyguards. Found dead behind the Presidential guesthouse in Tappita, Nimba County, in February 2021; officially ruled a suicide, though family and critics strongly disputed that finding.
These events sparked significant national concern – particularly the series of deaths involving public auditors, which many interpreted as suggestive of corruption or intimidation within state institutions. Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations, including Liberia’s Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INHRC), called for transparent and independent inquiries, noting the government’s duty to protect its citizens and uphold accountability.
International observers, such as the Institute of Internal Auditors, and policymakers in the United States also voiced unease over potential government links to these deaths and endorsed broader investigations, some even recommending external participation from organizations like the UN, AU, ECOWAS, and U.S. institutions.
Despite these repeated calls, responses from authorities were perceived as insufficient. Investigative conclusions were delayed or withheld, fuelling frustration and eroding public confidence in government commitment to impartiality and rule of law.
President Boakai, you may recall that in October 2020, ex – President Weah publicly requested international assistance – particularly from the United States – to investigate the mysterious auditor deaths, acknowledging that “death should come naturally… anything to the contrary is unacceptable.” However, despite autopsy reports and external involvement, families boycotted the process, citing lack of transparency.
Now, under your administration, a new chapter of justice and accountability is within your reach. Let me recollect candidly, on March 3, 2025, during your first cabinet meeting, you directed the Ministry of Justice to conduct thorough investigations into unresolved cases – including the auditor deaths and other high‑profile incidents – and ensure their transparent resolution through prosecution where warranted. Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing impartiality and cooperation with international partners.
Mr. Head of State, the bereaved families – having endured years of silence, speculation, and pain – are anxiously awaiting closure. Your leadership now represents a vital opportunity to support healing and restore trust in Liberia’s justice system.
With that in mind, I respectfully ask your administration to carry out the following measures:
- Re-open and fully investigate the cases of the deceased professionals who died under unexplained circumstances during the Weah’s administration.
- Conduct investigations impartially and transparently, with clear channels of communication to concerned families and civil society, including legal observers and rights groups.
- Invite credible international support or oversight, where necessary, to enhance technical credibility and public confidence.
- Provide regular public updates on progress, so that families and Liberians can track steps taken toward justice.
- Ensure that if any wrongdoing is uncovered, responsible individuals are charged and prosecuted according to Liberian law.
Your Excellency, the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia guarantees every citizen the inalienable rights to life, security, and equal protection under the law. When the deaths of public servants, journalists, and security personnel occur under suspicious circumstances and remain unresolved, the resulting silence undermines the national conscience and threatens democratic governance. Reopening these cases is therefore not merely an administrative act, but a constitutional and moral obligation.
History will ultimately measure your presidency not only by policies enacted or projects delivered, but by the courage shown when justice demands resolve. By decisively addressing these unresolved deaths, your administration can secure an enduring legacy – one that restores public confidence in Liberia’s justice system, affirms the sanctity of life, and demonstrates that accountability is neither selective nor negotiable. Such leadership will resonate beyond the present moment, assuring future generations that under your stewardship, Liberia chose truth over silence, justice over fear, and national healing over impunity—affirming the supremacy of the rule of law and the collective will of the people to confront the past and secure a just democratic future.
These actions would not only grant long-delayed justice to grieving families but also strengthen institutional integrity, bolster public trust, and reinforce Liberia’s commitment to the rule of law.
We remain hopeful in your dedication to transparent governance, and trust that you will take these measures to relieve the suffering families and reassure the nation.
Thank you for your continued dedication to serving the people of Liberia with integrity and courage.
I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration, for your prompt attention to this heartfelt appeal.
I remain.
Respectfully yours,
- Zawu Kota
Materials Planner Expeditor/Supply Chain
Bea Mountain Minning Corporation
Grand Cape Mount County, Western Liberia
