Former Finance Minister Tweah Defends Actions in Court

Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. took the witness stand on April 20, 2026, to challenge the state's case against him, as the court ordered the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Governor to appear and authenticate defense documents linked to the alleged "direct transfers" under trial.

The court's order followed a defense request for a subpoena, opposed by prosecutors, seeking to validate photocopied instructions already in evidence. The defense argues that this move could undermine the prosecution's narrative regarding the authorization and legality of the transfers.

Under direct examination by lead counsel Arthur Johnson, Tweah structured his testimony around six observations from the indictment, contending that the charges rest on contested facts and a narrow interpretation of Liberia's public-finance rules.

Tweah, facing possible imprisonment if convicted, addressed four claims in the indictment: that no request originated from national security actors; that he lacked lawful authority; that transfers through the Central Bank were illegal; and that he conspired with former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan.

This high-profile case continues to unfold, with significant implications for Liberia's financial governance and legal accountability.