By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Liberian government, through the Deputy Minister of Information Daniel Sando, has issued a stern warning to individuals implicated in the growing Gracious Ride corruption scandal.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Sando declared, “We will use the full weight of the law to compel those responsible to answer for their actions. The era of impunity is over.”
Sando’s remarks follow increasing public scrutiny over the mismanagement of public funds, with accusations that millions of dollars were diverted under the guise of the Gracious Ride program.
Originally introduced as a public-private partnership aimed at addressing urban mobility issues, the initiative is now at the center of a major scandal involving allegations of tax evasion, funds misappropriation, and procurement law violations.
According to him, President Boakai, has vowed to restore integrity in the public sector and eradicate corruption.
Sando warned that those attempting to profit illicitly or exploit legal loopholes would face justice. “This government will not relent,” he asserted.
At the heart of the controversy is Nora Finda Bondo, former Chief of Protocol under ex-President George Weah and current CEO of the Anita Group of Companies, which owns Gracious Ride.
Bondo has been invited by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce to answer questions regarding her alleged role in the scandal .
The Taskforce, created by President Boakai shortly after his inauguration, is investigating over 20 corruption-related cases, with Gracious Ride emerging as the most significant in both financial impact and public concern.
The Taskforce has traced millions of dollars in questionable transactions linked to entities and individuals associated with Gracious Ride.
Several bank accounts have been frozen, and assets, including luxury vehicles and properties, are under investigation.
Allegations suggest that some of these assets were acquired using state funds disguised as transportation subsidies.
While the government intensifies its efforts, resistance is growing. Bondo, through her legal team, has dismissed the Asset Recovery Taskforce, calling the investigation politically motivated.
Her lawyers have refused to allow her appearance before what they termed a “kangaroo body,” claiming the investigation is a politically driven witch-hunt.
However, Minister Sando made it clear that the Boakai administration will not back down.
He emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of their political affiliation or connections to power.
“This is not just about Gracious Ride. This is about drawing a line in the sand—about saying ‘enough’ to corruption, to greed, and to the systemic exploitation of public institutions. The people deserve better. Justice will be served,” Sando stated. “
Sando also accused some opposition figures of attempting to discredit the taskforce’s work through propaganda. “Let them know this: the will of the people is stronger than the noise of those protecting criminal enterprise,” he said.
“We Will Use The Law To Compel You” –Gov’t Cautions Fmr. Officials
