Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has condemned former Commerce Minister Amin Modad’s decision to purchase a luxury vehicle, calling it insensitive to Liberia’s ongoing economic difficulties.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
Modad, who recently resigned from his position, became the first cabinet member to step down under the Boakai-Koung administration. His resignation followed President Boakai’s refusal to meet with him after returning from the United Nations General Assembly, reportedly due to displeasure over the vehicle controversy.
The Executive Mansion confirmed receiving Modad’s resignation letter, which cited the vehicle procurement exceeding the government’s budget for ministerial transportation. In a statement, the President accepted Modad’s resignation and expressed disappointment over the decision to acquire such an expensive vehicle at a time when the country faces economic hardships.
“While Mr. Modad has contributed to the development of the Ministry during his tenure, the decision to make such a purchase at this time reflected poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity to the current economic environment in the country,” the Executive Mansion said.
The President has ordered that the vehicle in question be transferred to the General Services Agency (GSA) for use in accommodating VIP government guests.
In the interim, President Boakai has appointed Deputy Minister for Administration Scholastica Tanneh Nyenkan-Nimely to act as Commerce Minister until a permanent replacement is named.