MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has expressed serious concern about the lack of transparency and accountability in the acquisition of 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment by the United Party-led government, headed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
By Francis G. Boayue
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, CENTAL’s Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, called for transparency, accountability, and full compliance with public procurement and other related laws in acquiring the equipment.
Miamen stated, “We strive in the fight against corruption and other vices in Liberia. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to make Liberia corruption-free, prosperous, and livable.”
He explained that from May 23-25, 2024, the Government of Liberia (GoL) held a three-day cabinet retreat in Monrovia. During the event, Minister of State Without Portfolio Mamaka Bility announced that 285 pieces of earth-moving equipment had been presented to the Government of Liberia in a virtual turnover ceremony attended by her, Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and Roland Layfette Giddings, Minister of Public Works. A video released about the turnover ceremony also featured Mr. Xu Ming, Senior Vice President of Sany Group, a Chinese multinational heavy equipment manufacturing company, and Robert Gumede, Chairman of the Guma Group based in South Africa. While some Liberians have welcomed the development, others call for transparency, accountability, and full compliance with public procurement and related laws.
On May 28, 2024, responding to public questions, Minister of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism Jerolinmek Piah stated that the announcement made by Minister Bility was not the result of any agreement but rather an update on the government’s plans. He stressed that, although the Government of Liberia has the power to negotiate deals in the country’s interest, such deals will be negotiated with respect for the rule of law and separation of powers. Despite this assertion, many Liberians, including CENTAL, were surprised when the government moved to bring in the first batch of equipment without any evidence that procurement laws were followed. On July 6, 2024, the Liberian government paraded several pieces of the equipment, with media outlets confirming the importation of the first consignment of the much-discussed road equipment.
More than a month after confirming plans to acquire the equipment, the government has provided little tangible information on the matter. The circumstances around the acquisition of the yellow machines remain unclear, despite persistent public outcry and demand for information. Details such as the source, cost, nature of the deal, payment modalities, and other vital information are still top secret, despite laws and policies requiring full disclosure. Miamen questioned why a government that campaigned on transparency and accountability would choose to keep such a significant procurement process shrouded in secrecy.
CENTAL is deeply troubled by this development, which contradicts the president’s professed anti-corruption commitment and respect for the rule of law and good governance requirements. If the “R” component of the government’s ARREST Agenda truly means respect for the rule of law, then the government needs to ensure the right processes, including the Public Procurement and other tendering processes, are fully respected. This does not seem to be the case with the equipment acquisition. This is not the first time the government has engaged in an opaque and non-competitive process. A case in point is when the Ministry of Public Works awarded over 20 million USD worth of road contracts to various contractors without competitive processes, only to admit wrongdoing and apologize to members of the Legislature. A similar trend is being seen with the yellow machines, with the Liberian government violating its established procurement, due diligence, and other processes.
Reports that the companies and individuals behind the deal have business interests in Liberia make the saga more concerning. If there is a lack of transparency and due diligence at this early stage of their engagement with the Government of Liberia, it raises questions about future investments or relations with Liberia.
CENTAL’s Recommendations
Liberians demand more transparency, accountability, and integrity from their leaders. If the president is to be true to his commitment to running an open and accountable government, the right steps must be followed, including respect for the rule of law, especially during these early days of his administration. CENTAL urges President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and his officials to respect the laws of Liberia, particularly the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission’s guidelines on negotiating and contracting works, goods, and services for the government and the country.
CENTAL joins well-meaning Liberians and development partners in demanding the executive make full and timely disclosure regarding the circumstances surrounding the yellow machines and all related matters. As important as the procurement of this equipment may be in addressing road and other infrastructure challenges faced by the country, the process of acquiring them cannot be marred by secrecy.
Additionally, CENTAL calls on the Legislature to get involved and demand timely and full answers from the executive on the matter. The government should address the issue quickly through a public hearing and open appearances by executive officials to respond to multiple questions. CENTAL applauds Liberians for demanding transparency and accountability around this issue and encourages more such engagements on all matters of public interest. Finally, CENTAL calls on development partners to closely follow this and other government activities and processes to ask the necessary questions and demand accountability from officials leading and coordinating such processes.
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