By Amos Harris
MONROVIA — The Ministry of Justice has summoned several high-ranking officials from the former Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) administration in connection with the long-running 53.34-carat diamond dispute. This move by the Office of the Solicitor General, Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah, signals an intensification of public scrutiny regarding accountability within Liberia’s mining sector and the management of its natural resources.
The Ministry’s action follows a mandate from the Supreme Court and a subsequent order from the Civil Law Court of Montserrado County. The legal proceedings were triggered by a petition for judicial review filed by Abraham Kamara, a Class “C” mining license holder. Kamara is seeking full compliance with a prior Supreme Court directive regarding the ownership and handling of the significant find.
Among those named in the proceedings are former Minister of Mines and Energy Gesler E. Murray, former Assistant Minister Emmanuel Swen, and Mustapha Tounkara, President of the Diamond Dealers Association. Other key figures cited include Korvah Baysah, the Chief Diamond Appraiser, and Ishaka Konneh. While the court ordered the enforcement of the mandate against these individuals, former Justice Minister Cllr. Frank Musah Dean was notably excluded from the specific list of defendants in the October 7 communication.
On January 14, 2026, the Ministry of Justice formally requested the presence of the defendants for a conference to resolve the matter. However, reports indicate that only Korvah Baysah appeared for the hearing. The absence of the other key figures, particularly former Minister Murray and former Assistant Minister Swen, has raised significant concerns among legal experts regarding the respect for judicial authority and the rule of law in post-election Liberia.
The formal citation emphasized the gravity of the matter, notifying the parties that they were required to address the ongoing litigation between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and T. David Sluward. Despite the official nature of the notice, the continued non-appearance of these high-profile individuals has stalled progress on a case that has captured the national imagination for years.
Legal observers suggest that this development serves as a critical test for the government of President Joseph N. Boakai. It underscores the authority of the Supreme Court and will determine whether the current administration is prepared to ensure that former public officials are held accountable for their actions while in office. Many Liberians view the diamond case as a symbol of the alleged misconduct and lack of transparency that characterized previous resource management.
The social implications of the case are equally significant. In Gbarpolu County, residents of Smith Town have made a direct appeal to President Boakai. They argue that the 53.34-carat diamond should be handled in a way that provides tangible benefits to the community where such resources are found. Local leaders maintain that the proceeds from the diamond could be transformative, providing much-needed funding for schools, healthcare facilities, and essential social services for the people of Smith Town.
As the Boakai administration continues to position itself as a champion of transparency and reform, the resolution of this case is being watched closely both domestically and by the international community. The handling of the 53.34-carat diamond dispute is increasingly viewed as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to judicial enforcement and the responsible stewardship of Liberia’s mineral wealth.
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