The Government of Liberia, through its Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), has announced the indictment of several former and current officials over the alleged misappropriation of approximately US$1.82 million intended for vulnerable small businesses under a 2023 support program.
Authorities say the funds, meant to empower rural women and boost small enterprises, were instead diverted for personal use, depriving thousands of intended beneficiaries of critical financial assistance.
At a press conference held Thursday in Paynesville, the head of AREPT, Edwin Kla Martin, confirmed that Criminal Court “C” has issued its fourth indictment targeting seven individuals, including former Commerce Minister Mawine G. Diggs.
Others named in the indictment include Gudi J. N. Neufville, Financial Comptroller at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; 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.
According to the indictment, the case centers on funds allocated in the 2023 fiscal year for the “Vulnerable Small Business Support Program,” a government initiative designed to empower rural women and support small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. Of the US$2 million approved for the program, approximately US$1.82 million was disbursed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Investigators allege that the defendants conspired to divert a significant portion of these funds for personal use, thereby depriving intended beneficiaries, including rural women, farmers, and small business owners, of critical financial support.
