Diamond Mineral Water Refutes Safety Allegations, Affirms Product Certification in Liberia

In a forceful response to circulating allegations about product safety, Diamond Mineral Water management has condemned what it calls a “sustained campaign of blackmail” against the company by individuals claiming to be journalists and bloggers.

During a press conference held Tuesday in Monrovia following a facility tour, Human Resource Manager Hawa Ndama categorically rejected social media claims about unsafe water products as “false, misleading, and malicious.” The company insists its production adheres to rigorous health and safety protocols throughout the manufacturing process.

“These reports on social media are untrue. We have a group of people who call themselves journalists or bloggers, but their main aim is to intimidate businesses. They contact companies, make false claims, and demand money. When you refuse to pay, they publish damaging stories,” Ndama told reporters.

According to Diamond’s management, the company has faced repeated extortion attempts from individuals demanding payment to prevent the publication of fabricated reports alleging contaminated products.

“The owner of Diamond Mineral Water, Mr. Atagari, drinks the same water we produce here. Why would we put our customers or our business at risk? Every batch is tested and monitored for days before it is released to the public,” Ndama said.

The controversy centers around viral videos purportedly showing contaminated Diamond water bottles. The company contends these videos are not recent and have been manipulated to damage its reputation. Internal investigations revealed that at least one video dates back to 2023 and features water not manufactured by Diamond Mineral Water.

Rather than pursuing immediate legal action against the alleged perpetrators, Diamond Mineral Water has opted to involve law enforcement. “We are not taking this matter lightly. Our management will be reaching out to the Liberia National Police for a full investigation into these acts of extortion and blackmail,” Ndama announced.

The controversy highlights growing concerns in Liberia’s business community about social media misinformation and its potential impact on consumer brands. Diamond Mineral Water, which stands as one of the nation’s leading bottled water producers, maintains that its facilities exceed industry standards and regularly undergo laboratory testing to ensure compliance with both national and international benchmarks.

Addressing specific allegations about production standards, Ndama emphasized the company’s modern infrastructure: “Even former employees and visiting engineers have confirmed that our factory meets international production standards. We are one of the top water producers in Liberia, and our reputation speaks for itself.”

In a separate statement issued Monday evening, the company reiterated that the viral video being circulated is an old clip from 2023 being recycled maliciously. The statement reaffirmed Diamond’s commitment to quality, stressing that its products are safe, pure, and fully certified.

The incident occurs amid increasing scrutiny of food and beverage safety standards across West Africa, where regulatory oversight varies significantly between countries. Industry analysts note that bottled water producers face particular challenges in maintaining consumer confidence in regions where access to clean drinking water remains a public health concern.

Diamond Mineral Water has pledged continued cooperation with authorities to identify and prosecute those involved in what it terms “cyber harassment and disinformation” against legitimate businesses. The company has also called on media organizations and consumers to verify information before sharing unsubstantiated claims online.

As the investigation proceeds, the case highlights the complex intersection of consumer protection, business reputation management, and the evolving challenges posed by social media in Liberia’s developing digital landscape.