By Godgift Harris
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has summoned several former officials of the erstwhile Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration.
The officials are summoned in connection with the long-running and controversial 53.34-carat diamond case.
The latest development has intensified public scrutiny over accountability in the mining sector.
Acting through the Office of the Solicitor General, Counselor Augustine C. Fayiah, the Ministry is enforcing a mandate of the Supreme Court following an order from the Civil Law Court of Montserrado County.
The court’s action stems from a petition for judicial review filed by Abraham Kamara, a Class ‘C’ mining license holder Claim #12F/Survey, who is seeking compliance with a prior Supreme Court directive related to the disputed diamond.
Named in the proceedings are former Minister of Mines and Energy Gersler E. Murray; former Assistant Minister Emmanuel Swen; Mustapha Tounkara, President of the Diamond Dealers Association; Korvah Baysah, Chief Diamond Appraiser and Ishaka Konneh.
The court ordered authorities MoJ to enforce the Supreme Court’s mandate against all defendants listed in an October 7 communication, with the exception of Counselor Frank Musah Dean, former Justice Minister.
On January 14, 2026, MoJ formally cited the defendants to attend a conference on the matter.
However, only Korvah Baysah appeared.
The absence of the other defendants most notably former Minister Murray and former Assistant Minister Swen, raised concerns about compliance with judicial authority and respect for the rule of law.
The citation issued by the Ministry stated in part: “I present my compliments, and write to formally notify you that, as referenced in the attached communication, you are cited to attend a conference regarding the matter involving the Ministry of Mines and Energy vs. T. David Sluward.”
Despite this formal notice, the continued none appearance of key defendants has stalled progress in the case.
Legal observers say the development underscores the Supreme Court’s authority and tests government’s commitment to ensure that no individual past or present public official is above the law, particularly in cases involving valuable mineral resources.
Public reaction has been swift, with many Liberians viewing the case as emblematic of alleged misconduct by former officials during the CDC administration.
There are growing calls for the MoJ under President Joseph N. Boakai’s government to fully enforce the Supreme Court’s mandate as a demonstration of renewed trust in the justice system.
In Gbarpolu County, residents of Smith Town, have appealed directly to Pres. Boakai to intervene, arguing that the diamond at the center of the dispute should ultimately benefit affected communities.
They say proceeds from the diamond could fund schools, health facilities, and other basic social services for Smith Town and surrounding areas.
As the Boakai administration seeks to project a break from past practices, the handling of the 53.34-carat diamond case is increasingly seen as a litmus test of its commitment to transparency, judicial enforcement and responsible management of natural resources both at home and in the eyes of the international community.