By Laurina B. Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has received a comprehensive briefing from Justice Minister Oswald Tweh on key unresolved cases, including the missing L$16 billion, the mysterious deaths of former auditors, and the disappearance of three boys.
The disclosure was made by Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana during a regular press briefing on Friday, March 14, at the Executive Mansion.
She stated that President Boakai’s administration is determined to bring closure to these long standing cases that have raised public concerns.
During the sixth cabinet meeting at the Executive Mansion on Monday, March 3, 2025, President Boakai instructed Justice Minister Tweh to launch a thorough investigation, asserting that Liberians deserve answers and no case will be ignored.
“Our government is not hiding anything. Everything we do is transparent,” Boakai emphasized, highlighting the importance of professionalism in public offices.
He pledged to ensure justice is served, adding, “People in this country have suffered for too long. It is time to give them the opportunities they deserve.”
Boakai reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “The public deserves to know the truth.”
His strong stance on prioritizing national concerns over political ambitions has further solidified his commitment to good governance.
In September 2018, local media reported that shipping containers filled with newly printed Liberian dollars from Swedish banknote manufacturer Crane AB disappeared from Liberia’s entry ports between 2016 and 2017.
The Central Bank of Liberia denied the allegations, stating that the money was stored in vaults across the city.
Shortly before this revelation, former President George Weah announced a $25 million infusion into the economy to replace older Liberian dollar notes.
In another unresolved case, on October 17, 2020, Robert M. Blamo Jr., 29; Siafa Gbana Boimah, 34; and Bobby S. Gbeanquoi, 32, reportedly drowned in a river in Fuama District, Lower Bong County. The men had been contracted for a job at the Oriental Mining Company, owned by Moses H. Ahossouhe (Proprietor of St. Moses Funeral Parlors) and Abraham S. Samuels. Ahossouhe reported that the three men drowned when their canoe capsized.
Before these incidents, a series of mysterious deaths involving government auditors shook the nation.
On October 10, 2020, Emmanuel Barten Nyeswua, Director-General of the Liberia Internal Audit Agency, was found dead in his yard at 2 a.m.
Earlier that month, two employees of the Liberia Revenue Authority, Gifty Lama, acting manager for tax services, and Albert Peters, assistant commissioner for audit, were discovered dead in a vehicle.
Their spouses suspected foul play. Additionally, on October 4, 2020, another auditor, George Fanbutu, died in a car accident while driving home from a business meeting.
Police reported that Fanbutu lost control of his vehicle and collided with another vehicle, resulting in his death.
According to Fofana, President Boakai has expressed strong interest in ensuring justice and accountability in these critical national matters.
“The President has been briefed on these major cases, and he remains committed to ensuring that the wheels of justice turn transparently and fairly,” Fofana stated.
The case of the missing L$16 billion has been a subject of intense national debate, with persistent calls for a thorough investigation.
Similarly, the suspicious deaths of former auditors sparked fears of foul play, prompting demands for urgent action.
President Boakai has vowed to restore public trust in governance by tackling corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.
His engagement with the Justice Ministry on these pressing issues signals a renewed commitment to the rule of law under his leadership.
The Liberian public now awaits further updates as the government intensifies efforts to bring these cases to a just resolution.
