By Ebi Kesiena
US government has sanctioned some senior Liberian government officials over their alleged involvement in corruption, and President George Weah has suspended them and ordered an investigation.
The three officials include Nathaniel McGill who is President George Weah’s chief of staff and minister for presidential affairs. Others are Sayma Syrenius Cephus – the solicitor general and chief prosecutor, and Bill Twehway – the head of the port of Monrovia.
The trio are accused of “undermining democracy in Liberia for their own personal benefit,” according to a statement.
The President has also designated the principal deputies of the suspended officials to act in their stead.
The president’s chief of staff is accused of receiving bribes from potential investors and accepting kickbacks for government contracts.
None of the three officials has responded to the accusations. President Weah said the whole matter had raised “serious concern”.
The sanctions fall under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and named Minister of State Nathaniel McGill, National Port Authority Director Bill Twehway, and Solicitor General Syrenius Cephus. After a rigorous inter-agency investigation, the Treasury Department determined that these three officials engaged in corrupt acts, and they are now subject to U.S. financial sanctions and visa restrictions. This is a decision that the United States Government does not take lightly because corruption is not a light topic. As Treasury Secretary Yellen put it, “Corrupt acts take resources from citizens, undermine public trust, and threaten the progress of those who fight for democracy.
