13 FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO FACE TRIAL AUGUST 17 OVER ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF $500,000 SAUDI DONATED RICE INTENDED FOR DISASTER VICTIMS
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
Ex-ministers, NDMA and GSA officials indicted for alleged theft of 25,054 bags of rice; Criminal Court “C” to begin proceedings in high-profile asset recovery case
MONROVIA, Liberia — Thirteen former government officials and employees are scheduled to face trial beginning Monday, August 17, 2026, before Criminal Court “C” in Montserrado County in connection with the alleged misappropriation of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for disaster victims in Liberia.
The trial will mark a major test of Liberia’s asset recovery efforts as prosecutors seek to hold public officials accountable for the alleged diversion of humanitarian aid.
Those named in the indictment include several high-ranking former officials:
Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Varney A. Sirleaf – Former Minister of Internal Affairs ,Thelma Sawyer – Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Administration , Momolu Johnson – Former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs for Administration , Henry O. Williams – Former Executive Director, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) ,Edris Bility – Former Deputy Director for Operations, General Services Agency (GSA) , Augustine Kollie – Director for Disaster Victims, NDMA, Edward S. Konneh – NDMA Employee , Archievego M. Doe – NDMA Communications Director ,Rosetta L. Gbassay Bowah – Logistics Officer, NDMA ,Evelyn Gbee – Warehouse Manager. Mamie Davies – Assistant Director, GSA and Wayfa Ciapha – Purported CEO, Group of Seventy-Seven .
The case stems from a donation of 29,412 bags of 25kg rice, valued at US$500,000, made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Government of Liberia in April 2023.
The rice was intended for distribution to disaster-affected communities across the country and was stored in government-managed warehouses.
Following an investigation by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), the defendants were indicted in 2025.
According to the indictment, 25,054 bags valued at US$425,918 were allegedly stolen, misapplied, or improperly distributed, depriving intended beneficiaries and the Government of Liberia of critical humanitarian assistance.
The defendants face multiple charges including: Theft of Property, Economic Sabotage, Misuse of Public Money, Property or Records, Theft and/or Illegal Disbursement and Expenditure of Public Money, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Abuse of Office, and Criminal Conspiracy.
Following pretrial proceedings and discovery, Criminal Court “C” ruled on August 11, 2026, that the matter should proceed to trial. Proceedings are scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026.
For AREPT, the trial represents the next critical phase in the asset recovery process.
“Asset recovery extends beyond investigation and indictment.
The judicial process provides the opportunity for evidence gathered during investigations to be presented and tested before a court, for criminal responsibility to be determined, and for appropriate legal measures toward restitution and recovery of public assets to follow where warranted,” the Taskforce stated in a release signed by Public Relations Officer Joseph F. Daniels.
AREPT said it remains committed to working with the Ministry of Justice to pursue cases arising from its investigations while respecting due process, defendants’ rights, and judicial independence.
The Taskforce added that it will continue to update the public on significant developments in line with the law and the integrity of the judicial process.
The outcome of the trial is expected to send a strong signal on accountability in the management of donor aid and public resources in Liberia.