The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has raised significant concerns regarding the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amin Modad, and his procurement of a $150,000 vehicle. During a press conference held on October 3, 2024, CENTAL’s Program Director, Attorney Gerald Yeakula, urged President Joseph N. Boakai to take decisive administrative actions against Modad, citing the alleged misuse of state resources and a violation of the 2024 budget law. CENTAL has been vocal about the need for the government to adhere strictly to financial regulations and to ensure that public resources are utilized for the benefit of all citizens, rather than for personal luxury.
The controversy escalated when conflicting information emerged from the Ministry of Commerce and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) regarding the actual cost of the vehicle. Initially reported as $150,000, the LRA later clarified that the funds approved for the purchase were $96,000, allocated for capacity building within the Ministry, specifically intended for trade-related vehicles. Attorney Yeakula questioned the rationale behind using these funds for a luxury vehicle instead of enhancing the capacity of departmental services critical to trade. He pointed out that the 2024 Budget Law explicitly limits vehicle procurement expenditures—outside of high-ranking officials—to $45,000, suggesting that Modad’s actions constituted not only a breach of legal stipulations but also an abuse of state resources that could have been beneficially redirected to the country’s development.
Further compounding the issues, Attorney Yeakula expressed concerns over additional reports indicating that from January to August 2024, the Government of Liberia engaged in off-budget expenditures amounting to $15 million under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). This, he noted, contravenes the public financial management (PFM) law, which mandates strict adherence to approved budget lines and allows for excess expenditures only in exceptional circumstances — with prior notification and discussion within the legislature. Yeakula emphasized the urgency of enforcing these regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse of public funds and to ensure transparent governance.
CENTAL has also highlighted that the existence of a Contingency Fund within the PFM law does not grant unfettered spending power; rather, it sets stringent criteria that should be met before utilizing such funds. The law states that expenditures must address urgent, unforeseen needs, and any postponement could significantly affect public interest. The annual domestic revenue estimate would allow a maximum of $13.92 million to be expended under contingency spending, well below the $15 million claimed. Such discrepancies raise red flags regarding the legitimacy of the government’s financial practices and adherence to budgetary constraints.
The organization has called on President Boakai not only to investigate the Minister of Commerce’s expenditures but also to scrutinize the financial operations of the MFDP regarding their off-budget spending. CENTAL argues that whether past or present, successive governments seem to flourish in environments where budgetary laws are overlooked without significant repercussions for offenders. This trend, according to Yeakula, undermines the integrity of governance in Liberia and erodes public trust in state institutions.
In conclusion, CENTAL’s urgent request for accountability and transparency in the way public resources are managed aligns with broader expectations for good governance in Liberia. The organization seeks not only immediate corrective actions against Minister Modad but also systemic changes that prevent future infringements of financial law. By pushing for investigations and adherence to fiscal regulations, CENTAL is advocating for a government that respects its budgetary commitments and prioritizes the welfare of its citizens. The call to action emphasizes that the fight against corruption requires vigilance and a steadfast commitment to transparency from all levels of government, encouraging President Boakai to lead by example in restoring public faith in governance.
