The Government of Liberia has indicted seven former and current officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry over the alleged diversion of nearly US$1.82 million intended to support vulnerable small businesses and rural women.
The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) announced the charges Thursday at a press conference in Paynesville. Edwin Kla Martin, head of AREPT, confirmed that Criminal Court “C” issued its fourth indictment in connection with the 2023 “Vulnerable Small Business Support Program.”
Among those named is former Commerce Minister Mawine G. Diggs. Others indicted include Gudi J. N. Neufville, Financial Comptroller; Joseph Yado Howe, former Senior Policy Advisor; Kebeh Monger, President of the National Rural Women Structure; Elizabeth Finda Sambulah, President of the Liberia Marketing Association; Josephine Handful Greens, former Secretary General of the National Rural Women Structure; and Kemmoh Borbor, a cashier at the Ministry.
The program was established in the 2023 fiscal year with US$2 million earmarked to empower rural women, farmers, and small and medium‑sized enterprises across Liberia. Of that amount, US$1.82 million was disbursed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for distribution.
Investigators allege that instead of channeling the funds to intended beneficiaries, the defendants conspired to misappropriate a significant portion for personal use. Authorities say the diversion deprived thousands of small business owners and rural women of critical financial assistance at a time when economic hardship continues to weigh heavily on communities.
Martin emphasized that the indictments reflect the government’s commitment to accountability and recovery of stolen assets. “This case demonstrates our resolve to ensure that public funds reach the people they are meant to serve,” he said.
Civil society groups have welcomed the indictments, describing them as a step toward restoring public trust in government programs. However, they caution that prosecutions must be swift and transparent to deter future abuses.
The case underscores broader concerns about financial integrity within Liberia’s ministries and agencies. Analysts note that the scandal highlights systemic weaknesses in oversight and monitoring of public funds, particularly those allocated for poverty‑reduction initiatives.
As the matter proceeds to trial, the government faces pressure to demonstrate that justice will be served and that stolen resources will be recovered for the benefit of Liberia’s struggling small business sector.
