Former VP Howard-Taylor Supports Prosecution of Ex-Officials

Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has voiced her support for the ongoing anti-corruption campaign of President Joseph N. Boakai, urging former and current government officials under investigation to embrace the judicial process as the most credible means of clearing their names. Speaking recently on a local radio program in Bong County, Madam Howard-Taylor, who served as Vice President from 2018 to 2024 under former President George M. Weah, dismissed claims that the Boakai administration’s corruption probe amounts to a political witch-hunt. “Some people think the ongoing investigation is a witch hunt. I see it differently,” she said. “If there are allegations against a person, the court is the proper place to clear their name. That is the only way to protect one’s integrity and uphold the rule of law.” Since assuming office in January 2024, President Boakai has launched a far-reaching anti-corruption initiative aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability systems, and recovering stolen public resources. The campaign mandates that both current and former officials account for their tenure in government, including a thorough review of contracts, spending records, and unexplained wealth acquired during public service. Several high-profile figures from the previous administration have faced intense scrutiny. Samuel D. Tweah, former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, is under investigation for alleged mismanagement of public funds and unauthorized transactions involving donor-supported accounts. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, along with Mary Broh and Henry O. Williams, were recently arrested in connection with a corruption scandal involving over 25,000 bags of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for disaster victims. The trio was briefly detained at the Monrovia Central Prison after being indicted. Additionally, a number of current government officials have been suspended and referred to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for investigation. Madam Howard-Taylor’s remarks have triggered mixed public reactions. Supporters commend her for taking what they view as a principled and patriotic stance that promotes transparency and accountability. Critics, however, accuse her of undermining her political roots within the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) by backing an initiative led by the rival Unity Party administration. When asked to evaluate President Boakai’s performance so far, the former Vice President exercised caution. “It is too early to assess,” she said. “We will have to wait until 2028 to determine whether they have truly succeeded or not.” Looking ahead to the 2029 general elections, Howard-Taylor signaled her intent to remain active in the national political arena, though she did not specify in what capacity. “I will be an active participant in Liberia’s political process,” she stated, leaving open questions about potential leadership ambitions or alliances. Her comments come as Liberia’s political climate remains charged, with anti-corruption reforms continuing to dominate the national conversation and the Boakai administration pledging that no one will be above the law.