“We Will Use the Full Weight of the Law to Compel You” – Minister Sando Declares as Asset Recovery Taskforce Invites Gracious Ride for Questioning

By Desmond Gbeleh Wion

Monrovia – The Government of Liberia, through its Deputy Minister of Information, Daniel Sando, has sounded a sharp warning to those linked to what is now emerging as one of the country’s biggest corruption sagas—the Gracious Ride scandal. Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Capitol Hill, Minister Sando did not mince his words: “We will use the full weight of the law to compel those responsible to answer for their actions. The era of impunity is over.”

The statement by Minister Sando comes on the back of mounting public scrutiny over how public funds may have been funneled into private pockets under the guise of a public-private transport partnership. The Gracious Ride program, initially launched under the CDC-led government as a solution to urban mobility challenges, is now at the heart of a massive scandal involving alleged tax evasion, misappropriation of public funds, and manipulation of procurement laws.

Sando said the government under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is determined to clean up the system and restore integrity in public service. He warned that those who thought they could “profit illicitly and hide behind legal technicalities should prepare themselves—this government will not relent.”

Central to the controversy is Nora Finda Bondo, former Chief of Protocol to ex-President George Weah and current CEO of the Anita Group of Companies—owners of Gracious Ride. Madam Bondo has been invited by the Asset Recovery and Property Retriever Taskforce for questioning over her alleged role in the scandal. The taskforce, which was established by President Boakai shortly after taking office, has been investigating over 20 corruption-related cases, with Gracious Ride topping the list in terms of both financial impact and public interest.

According to the Taskforce, millions of dollars in questionable transactions have been traced to companies and individuals connected to Gracious Ride. Several bank accounts have already been frozen, and assets including high-end vehicles and properties have been marked for investigation. Reports suggest that some of these assets were allegedly purchased using state funds disguised as subsidies for transportation services.

But while the government is tightening the screws, there’s growing resistance. Madam Bondo, through her legal counsel, has dismissed the legitimacy of the Asset Recovery Taskforce, labeling the investigation as politically motivated. Her lawyers insist that she will not appear before what they termed “a kangaroo body” and claim that the entire case is an act of political witch-hunt.

However, Minister Sando has made it clear that the Boakai administration will not back down. He stressed that there will be no sacred cows and that the investigation will reach anyone—no matter their political background or proximity to power—who is found to have stolen from the Liberian people.

“This is not just about Gracious Ride,” Sando said. “This is about drawing a line in the sand—about saying ‘enough’ to corruption, to greed, and to the systemic exploitation of public institutions. The people deserve better. Justice will be served.”

The Deputy Information Minister further claimed that some members of the opposition are attempting to use propaganda to delegitimize the work of the Taskforce. “But let them know this: the will of the people is stronger than the noise of those protecting criminal enterprise,” he added.

As the country awaits the next moves of the Taskforce, many Liberians are watching closely to see if this government will indeed live up to its promise of ending the culture of impunity. If Minister Sando’s words are anything to go by, the Boakai administration is setting the tone for a no-nonsense approach to public sector accountability.

In a country where corruption has long been the norm, this case could mark a defining moment—either in restoring trust in government or exposing just how deeply rooted impunity remains.