MONROVIA – Former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. says he is preparing to file a defamation lawsuit against talk show host and Spoon Network CEO Stanton Witherspoon. This follows claims made by Witherspoon that Tweah misappropriated US$30 million in COVID-19 emergency funds during his tenure under the George Weah administration.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the CDC Headquarters in Congo Town, Tweah described the allegations as “malicious misinformation” and part of a broader conspiracy to destroy his reputation. “There was no COVID-19 money that came into my account. The $30 million in question was transferred directly to the World Food Program, which implemented the food distribution project,” he said. “I have not been charged by any competent court, and it’s time to hold people accountable for spreading lies.”
Tweah indicated that he would take legal action in the coming week, warning that a coordinated smear campaign was being orchestrated by individuals in politics and the media. “We will do legal, political and intellectual battle to save our character in this country,” he said.
The former minister also accused Witherspoon of spearheading a years-long campaign of defamation against him. “Mr. Witherspoon has used his Spoon network to malign my person and spew out misinformation for more than four years,” Tweah said. “Even out of power, he continues to pursue me.” He revealed that more than 100,000 Liberians may have heard Witherspoon’s recent remarks, which claimed Tweah was about to be arrested over the COVID-19 scandal. Tweah called the accusation false and dangerous, adding, “I’ve had people calling me, asking if I should change where I sleep. That’s how serious and damaging this is.”
Tweah’s remarks come as a broader corruption probe unfolds. He and several former CDC officials are being investigated over the alleged transfer of more than L$1 billion and US$500,000 to the Financial Intelligence Agency without legislative approval. While Tweah has not been indicted in connection to the COVID-19 case, the matter remains under scrutiny.
The COVID-19 food distribution program, launched in 2020 and jointly managed by the Liberian government and the World Food Program, has long faced criticism for poor implementation and lack of transparency. As the then Minister of Finance, Tweah played a central role in its funding and oversight.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings connected to the broader financial probe remain in flux. On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of Liberia suspended a scheduled hearing on a writ of prohibition filed by Tweah and four other former officials. The hearing had aimed to challenge Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie’s refusal to dismiss their indictment. Supreme Court Clerk Cllr. Sam Mamulu cited “reasons beyond its control” for the delay, and a new date is expected to be announced.
The delay follows a motion from state prosecutors seeking the recusal of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyeneh Yuoh, who reached the constitutional retirement age of 70 on June 26. Prosecutors argue she is no longer eligible to preside over new cases. Legal experts note that the outcome of this motion could significantly affect the trajectory of the corruption case, particularly if the Court must be reconstituted.
At the press conference, Tweah also criticized Liberian society for what he described as a culture of silence in the face of false accusations. “Why do those who know the truth become willing accomplices to destroy others by their dangerous silence?” he asked. “We cannot fight corruption by lying on innocent people.”
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