Civil Society Network Condemns Attacks on Cllr. Oswald Tweh Following US$6.2 Million Corruption Verdict
The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL) has strongly condemned recent calls for the dismissal of Liberia’s Justice Minister, Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh, describing the demands as “reckless, irresponsible, and counterproductive” to the rule of law.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the organization criticized comments made by the Chairman of the Unity Party National Youth Congress, Melvin Cephas, who reportedly labeled the Justice Minister as “dangerous” and “ineffective” following the jury verdict in the high-profile US$6.2 million corruption case tried at Criminal Court “C.”
The case involved several former government officials, including former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah, who was acquitted by the jury. However, three other defendants former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh, former Acting Justice Minister Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, and former Financial Intelligence Agency Director Stanley Ford were found guilty.
According to CSNL, blaming Justice Minister Tweh for the acquittal of Samuel Tweah demonstrates a misunderstanding of Liberia’s judicial process and undermines the independence of the courts.
“The verdict was rendered by jurors who were selected to hear the case, not by the Minister of Justice,” the statement emphasized. “The prosecution’s responsibility was to present evidence before the court, which it did.”
The organization warned that political pressure on justice officials to secure convictions for partisan purposes poses a threat to Liberia’s democracy and judicial independence.
CSNL further argued that the guilty verdicts secured against three defendants in the case prove that the government’s prosecution team effectively carried out its mandate and demonstrated commitment to accountability and anti-corruption efforts.
The group also hailed what it described as significant reforms introduced under the leadership of Cllr. Tweh at the Ministry of Justice. Among the achievements highlighted were improvements in anti-corruption prosecutions, strengthening of the public defense system, increased support for justice sector personnel, and the operationalization of the Witness Protection Agency.
CSNL disclosed that the Ministry recorded 52 criminal convictions in 2024 and 60 convictions in 2025. The organization also praised the ongoing construction of a US$20 million modern justice complex on Capitol Hill.
While stressing that it does not support poor performance by public officials, the civil society group maintained that attacks against the Justice Minister are unfair and politically motivated.
The organization urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai not to heed calls for Tweh’s dismissal and encouraged the Justice Minister and his team to remain focused on upholding the rule of law “without fear or favor.”
