A major corruption scandal has shaken public confidence as the President of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA), Elizabeth Finda Sambulah ,and former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mawine G. Diggs, headline a list of seven individuals indicted over the alleged diversion of more than US$1.8 million intended to empower rural women and small businesses. The indictments were announced by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) following an extensive investigation into the management of funds allocated to the Rural Women Empowerment Fund under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Also named in the indictment are Gudi J. N. Neufville, Financial Comptroller at the ministry; Joseph Yado Howe,former Senior Policy Advisor; Kebeh Monger, President of the National Rural Women Structure of Liberia; Josephine Handful Greens, former Secretary General of the same body; and Kemmoh Borbor,a cashier at the ministry. According to AREPT, the case—filed before Criminal Court C—marks its fourth indictment and includes charges ranging from theft of property and economic sabotage to criminal conspiracy and misuse of entrusted public funds.
At the center of the case is a 2023 government allocation of US$2 million under the Vulnerable Small Business Support Program, designed to uplift rural women, farmers, and small enterprises across Liberia. Investigators say US$1,819,469.43 was disbursed and deposited into accounts at the Central Bank of Liberia, under the management of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. However, authorities allege that a significant portion of the funds was diverted from its intended purpose, denying support to vulnerable beneficiaries while allegedly being redirected for personal use. Responding to public concerns about delays in recent indictments, AREPT clarified that the pause in updates since November 2025 was intentional, aimed at building solid, evidence-based cases rather than pursuing premature actions.
The task force stressed that its work remains independent and free from political interference, assuring the public that all actions are guided strictly by credible evidence—not a witch-hunt. AREPT further noted that all accused individuals were granted due process, including legal representation during the investigation, in line with constitutional requirements. Meanwhile, the task force revealed that several additional corruption and asset recovery cases are ongoing, including efforts to trace and reclaim government assets believed to have been transferred abroad. Reaffirming its mandate, AREPT vowed to relentlessly pursue all misappropriated public funds and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
Author: Samuel B. Johnson
