CBL Governor Ordered to Testify as Tweah Challenges Prosecution’s Narrative in Landmark Economic Trial
Monrovia, Liberia – March 2025: The high-stakes economic trial of former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah took a dramatic turn on Monday when Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice ordered the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Henry F. Saamoito, to appear and authenticate financial records submitted by the Defense. These documents have become the fulcrum of a case that could redefine fiscal accountability in Liberia.
By: Emmanuel George
The ruling, delivered by Judge Ousman F. Feika, followed a heated courtroom exchange in which prosecutors challenged the relevance of the Defense’s request. However, the judge sided with the Defense, signaling that the authenticity of disputed transactions could be decisive in the trial’s outcome. This development marks a pivotal moment, as it shifts the evidentiary burden toward institutional validation rather than mere procedural allegations.
Tweah’s Testimony: A Shift from Allegations to Administrative Norms
At the heart of Monday’s hearing was Tweah’s own testimony, which reframed the narrative from alleged misconduct to what he characterized as a fundamental misinterpretation of public financial management practices by the Prosecution. Taking the witness stand, Tweah forcefully rebutted accusations that he authorized unlawful transfers, acted without proper authority, or conspired with former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan under the CDC administration.
Instead, Tweah portrayed the contested transactions as routine government operations executed within the scope of approved national policy. He argued that once the national budget is passed by the Legislature, it empowers the Executive to carry out spending without requiring separate, transaction-specific requests. This interpretation, if accepted by the court, could undermine the Prosecution’s reliance on what it describes as procedural gaps.
Key Argument: Tweah emphasized that in matters involving national security or emergencies, decisions are often made collectively and may not always be accompanied by formal documentation. This assertion directly challenges the Prosecution’s case, which hinges on the absence of such documentation as evidence of wrongdoing.
Contextualizing the Defense: Historical Precedents and Administrative Practices
To reinforce his defense, Tweah pointed to previous large-scale disbursements processed through the Central Bank of Liberia. These include more than US$15 million to the National Elections Commission, US$25 million to the World Food Programme for pandemic-related food aid, and US$1 million to the United Nations Population Fund in support of the 2022 national census. According to him, such transactions followed long-standing administrative practices, raising critical questions about why similar actions are now being criminalized.
This line of argument introduces a broader question: Are the Prosecution’s charges selective, targeting specific individuals while ignoring systemic practices? For context, Liberia’s public financial management system has historically operated with a degree of flexibility, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 census. Critics argue that this flexibility, while necessary, has also created opportunities for abuse. The trial now forces the court to draw a line between legitimate administrative discretion and unlawful conduct.
The Role of the CBL Governor: A New Evidentiary Phase
The court’s decision to summon CBL Governor Henry F. Saamoito introduces a new evidentiary phase in the trial. As the custodian of Liberia’s financial records, Saamoito’s testimony could either strengthen the Defense’s argument by confirming that the transactions followed standard procedures or reinforce the Prosecution’s claims by revealing irregularities.
Practical Example: If Saamoito testifies that the CBL routinely processed similar disbursements without incident, it could bolster Tweah’s defense that he acted within established norms. Conversely, if the Governor highlights deviations from protocol—such as missing signatures or unauthorized approvals—it could provide the Prosecution with the concrete evidence it needs.
This phase also underscores the importance of institutional credibility. The CBL, as Liberia’s central financial authority, must demonstrate that its processes are transparent and consistent. Any ambiguity in Saamoito’s testimony could have far-reaching implications for public trust in the country’s financial institutions.
Broader Implications: Fiscal Authority and the Rule of Law
The ex-Finance Minister remains on the witness stand as proceedings continue, with the case expected to hinge increasingly on technical interpretations of fiscal authority and the credibility of institutional processes. Beyond the immediate parties, this trial has significant implications for Liberia’s governance framework.
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If the court rules in favor of Tweah, it could set a precedent that limits the Prosecution’s ability to criminalize administrative decisions made in good faith. However, a conviction could signal a new era of strict accountability, where even routine government operations are subject to rigorous judicial scrutiny.
As the trial unfolds, observers are watching closely to see whether the court will prioritize procedural technicalities or the broader context of governance in a post-conflict nation. The outcome will likely influence how future administrations manage public funds and how prosecutors approach cases involving high-ranking officials.
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