- Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah insists he is not to blame for COVID-19 funds misuse.
- Tweah challenges government to investigate the World Food Programme (WFP) instead.
- Tweah claims media person Stanton Witherspoon is spreading false allegations.
- He emphasizes the WFP was responsible for managing the COVID-19 funding.
- Tweah seeks legal action against Witherspoon for defamation of character.
Tweah Denies Allegations of Mismanagement Regarding COVID-19 Funds.
Former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah has come forward claiming that he is unjustly targeted in the investigation of COVID-19 stimulus funds, urging the Government of Liberia to focus instead on the World Food Programme (WFP). At a news conference held last Friday in Congo Town, he vehemently rejected allegations of misusing the US$30 million designated for food distribution during the pandemic. According to Tweah, these accusations stem from a politically motivated smear campaign determined to tarnish his public image.
Media Claims Fuels Speculation Over Tweah’s Involvement.
During the conference, Tweah accused media personality Stanton Witherspoon of disseminating false information about his involvement in the stimulus fund’s management. Witherspoon purportedly hinted at Tweah’s potential arrest, which has led to local speculation about his safety. “Mr. Witherspoon is actively engaged in a character assassination campaign against me, with a shocking persistence of over four years,” Tweah remarked, highlighting Witherspoon’s ongoing legal troubles for libel as a backdrop to the smear campaign.
WFP Oversaw COVID-19 Fund Management, Not Tweah.
Tweah, quite adamant about his non-involvement, pointed out that the allocation of the COVID-19 funds was handled directly by the WFP, removing any governmental interference. He provided further context, stating that the Liberian government obtained US$25 million from the IMF to fund the COVID-19 Household Food Support Program (COHFSP) and an additional US$5 million from the World Bank via the Ministry of Agriculture. Importantly, he stressed that all expenditures were managed solely by the WFP, thus challenging anyone to scrutinize their practices instead of maligning his character.
Tweah’s assertions come at a critical time as he faces scrutiny from government officials and media allegations. He has clearly distanced himself from any financial mismanagement related to the COVID-19 funds and placed the blame on the WFP for any discrepancies. His declaration of legal action against Witherspoon and the call for a shift in political discourse highlight how misinformation can heavily impact reputations in Liberia.
