Tweah Questions Whether Liberia's $1 Billion Revenue Is Improving Lives

Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has challenged the Liberian government to show tangible results from a record $1 billion in domestic revenue collection, questioning whether the increased spending is actually improving citizens' lives in areas such as roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and employment, The New Dawn Liberia reported on September 23, 2026.

"The central question is not simply whether Liberia has crossed the US$1 billion revenue threshold, but whether increased collections are translating into improvements that Liberians can see," Tweah said. He argued that sector budget allocations need "clearly defined projects and measurable outcomes," pointed to a $22 million road project as one case where he wants "value for money" demonstrated, and urged competitive procurement and greater use of public-private partnerships. He also warned against buying inferior equipment merely to cut costs.

Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan responded that the $1 billion figure represents cumulative 2026 revenue that has already largely been spent on salaries, healthcare, education and other government obligations, with about $50 million remaining in government accounts as of September 17.

Tweah served as Finance Minister under former President George Weah before being acquitted on all charges in a separate, unrelated economic-sabotage case in May 2026. His latest comments are a policy critique rather than a legal matter, and it remains an open, developing question whether his specific demands — such as an independent accounting of the $22 million road project — will be taken up by the current government.