Monrovia – Liberia’s Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force has formally invited former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into the government’s US$20.5 million rice subsidy program carried out between 2021 and 2022.
According to a communication dated May 13, 2026, the task force disclosed that investigators are examining allegations involving theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of public funds, criminal conspiracy, and criminal facilitation linked to the subsidy initiative.
The rice subsidy program was introduced by the Liberian government during the George Weah administration as part of efforts to reduce the market cost of a 25-kilogram bag of rice and ease the burden on ordinary citizens amid rising commodity prices.
However, investigators now claim that documents and financial records obtained by the task force suggest that funds allocated for the subsidy were allegedly diverted for personal benefit rather than being used for their intended purpose. The task force further alleges that despite the millions reportedly spent under the program, the initiative failed to significantly lower rice prices during the period under review.
Authorities also allege that Tweah, while serving as Finance Minister, worked alongside other individuals to authorize and facilitate payments connected to the program that were allegedly misused.
The investigation is being conducted under Executive Order No. 161, which established the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force with the mandate to trace, investigate, and recover public assets believed to have been stolen or improperly managed.
As part of the probe, the former minister has been asked to appear before investigators on May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the task force headquarters located within the Golden Key Compound in Paynesville. The task force also instructed him to appear with legal representation.
The latest development adds to a growing number of investigations involving former government officials over allegations tied to the management of public resources during previous administrations.
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