By Pewu Y. Sumo
Monrovia, Liberia: – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has signaled its support for the latest indictments issued by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (ARPRT). However, the anti-graft group is warning the government that the public is looking for recovered funds, not just court filings.
In a press statement released Thursday, April 16, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson Miamen acknowledged the recent move to charge former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Madam Mawine Diggs, and several others over the alleged diversion of US$1.8 million intended for rural women.
The “Rural Women” Scandal
The indictment, unveiled by Taskforce Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, alleges that funds meant for a rural women’s empowerment program were misappropriated. Along with Madam Diggs, the indictment names several key figures including Atty. Joseph Y. Howe, former Senior Policy Advisor (MOCI).
Others include Kebeh Monger, President of the National Rural Women Structure; Elizabeth Finda Sambulah, President of the Liberia Marketing Association and Josephine Handful Greens and Kemmoh Borbor.
CENTAL noted that this case brings the total number of former officials indicted by the Taskforce to over 50.
This follows previous high-stakes cases.
In November 2025, former Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bundor and 40 others (US$6.7 million) from the former ruling CDC government were indicted.
Similarly, in June 2025, former Foreign Minister D. Maxwell Saah Kemayah (Saudi Rice donation scandal).
While CENTAL lauded the government for providing the Taskforce with significant financial resources—US$670,920 in the 2024 budget cycle—it raised concerns about the lack of final verdicts.
“The fight against corruption becomes more meaningful when outcomes are accrued beyond indictments. When people are accused, the state must ensure the trial is speedy and justice is dispensed,” the statement read.
The Roadmap Forward
CENTAL is calling for four critical reforms to ensure the “Rescue Mission” succeeds in its anti-corruption drive, calling for the immediate establishment of a Specialized Anti-Corruption Court to fast-track these high-profile cases.
CENTAL also wants the removal of the five-year limit on prosecuting corruption to ensure no one escapes justice due to time.
The anti-graft entity recommended that the government works with international partners to track down and return “stolen assets” hidden in foreign bank accounts, while ensuring that older integrity institutions like the LACC, GAC, and PPCC receive the same level of financial backing as the Taskforce.
“Liberians have grown tired of seeing individuals acquire enormous ill-gotten assets… this defeats the true purpose of leadership,” Miamen concluded in his statement.
Liberia’s quest to recover stolen wealth has been tied to the lack of a specialized anti-corruption court to fast track corruption cases, which according to observers is a serious impediment to the fight against corruption in Liberia.
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