Koon Holds Meeting with Families of Deceased Auditors

In a significant development regarding two unresolved cases that have haunted Liberia for five years, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon met with the families of four auditors who died under suspicious circumstances in October 2020 and the relatives of three boys who disappeared in the same month. This meeting, held on March 13, 2025, marks the first time a high-ranking government official has personally engaged with the families since the tragic incidents, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing these sensitive issues. Speaker Koon reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring impartial justice and assured the families that their concerns remain a top priority. He pledged to work towards accountability in both cases, offering a glimmer of hope for closure after years of uncertainty and unanswered questions.

The deaths of the four auditors – Emmanuel Barten Nyeswua, Director General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), along with Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) auditors Albert Peters, Gifty Lamah, and George F. Fanbutu – sent shockwaves through Liberia in 2020. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain shrouded in mystery, prompting widespread demands for an independent and thorough investigation. Similarly, the disappearance of three boys – Siafa Boimah, Robert Blamo, Jr., and Bobby Gbeanquoi – who were part of a group whose canoe allegedly capsized in the St. Paul River, further intensified public concern and fueled speculation. The lack of conclusive answers in both cases has left a lingering sense of injustice and fueled public distrust.

The families of the deceased auditors expressed their profound gratitude for Speaker Koon’s initiative, describing the meeting as an unprecedented step towards acknowledging their pain and seeking justice. They emphasized that no other senior government official had personally reached out to them in the five years since the tragedy. The families, represented by Sylvester Lamah, widower of Gifty Lamah, Cassandra Peters, daughter of Albert Peters, and Samukai Kromah, spokesperson for the families of the missing boys, conveyed their appreciation for Koon’s recognition of their plight and his expressed interest in the well-being of the deceased auditors’ children. This personal engagement, they noted, signified a shift in the government’s approach to these cases, offering a renewed sense of hope for accountability.

For the families, the meeting with Speaker Koon represented more than just a symbolic gesture. It was a tangible acknowledgement of their suffering and a reaffirmation of their right to know the truth about what happened to their loved ones. They reiterated their unwavering call for justice, emphasizing that their primary goal is not retribution but closure and a clear understanding of the events that led to the deaths of the auditors and the disappearance of the boys. They expressed hope that this renewed focus on their cases would finally lead to answers and bring a sense of peace after years of uncertainty and grief.

Speaker Koon assured the families that their concerns would be conveyed to the relevant authorities and pledged to maintain his personal involvement in their pursuit of justice. He emphasized that the government is committed to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of their position or influence. This commitment, if genuinely pursued, could mark a turning point in Liberia’s efforts to address past injustices and build public trust in its institutions. The Speaker’s engagement provides a foundation for further investigation, potentially leading to the reopening of the cases and a more thorough examination of the evidence.

The meeting between Speaker Koon and the families represents a crucial first step in a long and arduous journey towards justice and reconciliation. While the families’ pain remains palpable, the Speaker’s initiative offers a glimmer of hope that these long-neglected cases will finally receive the attention they deserve. The road ahead remains challenging, but the renewed commitment from the government, symbolized by Speaker Koon’s direct engagement, provides a crucial foundation for moving forward and ultimately achieving closure for the families and accountability for the nation. The outcome of this renewed focus will be closely watched by the Liberian public, serving as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to transparency and justice.