– Senator Saah Joseph’s Exit from CDC
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph has severed ties with the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the party that propelled his rise to national prominence. His resignation, coupled with damning corruption allegations against former President George Weah’s administration, has tormented fierce controversy about loyalty, governance, and his political future.
Senator Joseph’s departure marks a stunning rupture with the CDC, the party that nurtured his political career from District #13 Representative (2013-2018) to his current Senate seat. His resignation letter, addressed to CDC Acting Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo, cited a misalignment of values but omitted the incendiary claims he later unveiled.
While expressing gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him, the senator emphasized his commitment to continuing service to Montserrado County and the nation. The CDC, founded in 2005 as a grassroots movement, rose to prominence under the leadership of former President George Weah and has been a dominant force in Liberian politics. However, internal divisions and shifting alliances have sparked speculation about its future trajectory.
Senator Joseph’s resignation adds to growing scrutiny over the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2029 legislative and presidential elections. Joseph owes his political ascent to the CDC machinery, yet his exit now threatens to destabilize the very institution that built him. This paradox has divided public opinion, with CDC loyalists branding him a “traitor” while supporters of the ruling party hail his courage. “The party made him, but power should never silence conscience,” a social media user said.
Bombshell Allegations:
Days before his resignation went public, Senator Joseph detonated political dynamite during an appearance on Spoon Talk, one of Liberia’s premier TV talk shows. His revelations painted a damning portrait of Weah’s administration. The Senator alleged that high-ranking officials sabotaged major economic deals by demanding millions in bribes from investors.
He revealed that Bulgarian investors were prepared to inject $500 million into Liberia during Weah’s presidency. The Senate approved the concession, but the deal collapsed after Weah’s team allegedly demanded an additional $10 million before the House of Representatives would ratify it. “The investors refused to pay the bribe, so the concession died,” Joseph stated.
Moreover, Senator Joseph claimed that an Israeli investor was asked to pay $30 million out of a planned $100 million investment before being allowed to operate in Liberia. In an even more shocking revelation, Joseph accused CDC members of arson and assassination attempts after he outperformed Weah in Montserrado County during the 2023 elections. “They burned my home right after the election because I got more votes in Montserrado than former President Weah,” he said.
“They tried to kill me on several occasions. It was not my intention to get more votes than Weah, but the people refused him,” he added. The senator’s resignation letter, addressed to CDC Acting Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo, cited a misalignment of values but did not delve into the explosive allegations made during his TV appearance.
However, pundits say his public accusations could deepen rifts within the CDC and fuel opposition narratives ahead of the 2029 elections. The party has yet to officially respond to Joseph’s allegations. However, some prominent and ordinary members have expressed dismay about his actions, as they argue that “the party made him.”
Senator Saah Joseph is the Liberian Senate Chair-Transportation; Vice Chair-Foreign Affairs | Member-Ways, Means, Finance and Budget; Health; Maritime Affairs; Commerce, Industry and Trade; Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Concessions and Investment; Youth and Sports; Banking and Currency; Public Corporations.
He shares the Montserrado Senate seat with Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of the opposition Liberty Party (LP). Before becoming the Senator of Montserrado County, Senator Saah was the Representative of District #13, Montserrado County from 2013-2018.
While serving as Representative of District-13, he and fellow Liberians and the entire West Africa were faced with the deadly Ebola Virus. During the deadly Ebola Virus Epidemic in Liberia, 2014, being a seated Representative of Dis. #13, Senator Saah availed himself and resources to fight the outbreak:
Additionally, the lawmaker provided extra ambulances, lobbied with other stakeholders locally and internationally to provide materials and support to fast track the combat of the virus, ensured the removal of corpses from the communities, and as well as disinfecting those communities. Once celebrated as the “Ebola Hero” for his 2014 pandemic leadership, Joseph now risks being defined by this bitter divorce.
