By Bill W. Cooper
With the resignation of Amin Modad following the controversial purchase of a US$96,000 SUV vehicle while serving as Minister of Commerce, many are bewildered that this is a clear exit from the Unity Party-led government.
With Liberians basing logic on political competition or grading, a vehicle for an individual official in an impoverished economy has raised questions regarding transparency and accountability within the government though it is clear that the purchase was reportedly made through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) from funds provided by a controversial company, MedTec Liberia.
Now it is not the public outcry and allegations of misuse of government funds coupled with the mounting pressure from civil society groups and political parties calling for an investigation into the procurement process and the justification for such an extravagant expenditure amid ongoing economic challenges the country is faced with but more the sparks Modad’s resignation has ignited.
It can be recalled that controversy surrounding Modad began when reports surfaced detailing his acquisition of a high-end SUV, a purchase that many deemed an extravagant lifestyle at the expense of the masses, given the economic challenges facing Liberia.
The vehicle, a 2024 model, was reportedly acquired through MedTec Liberia’s funding, a perceived ‘corrupt’ funds kept at the LRA, thus leading to accusations of misuse of public resources and corruption.
Critics, including exiled student activist, Martin Kollie, argued that the funds could have been better allocated to support essential services and infrastructure developments as well as the improvement of healthcare services and education in the country.
They added that such a purchase is inappropriate for an official of the ‘Rescue Mission’ government, especially in a country where many citizens struggle to meet and get their basic needs.
However, the backlash intensified when it was revealed that the purchase was made with little over six months after Modad assumed office, raising eyebrows about the timing and the decision-making process behind the acquisition.
In his resignation letter to President Boakai, Modad said, “Dear President Boakai: Over the last few days there has been public outcry over the purchase of a vehicle for over USD$45,000.”
He continued, “Though I have provided all documentation and facts that equivocally demonstrate that there was no malfeasance, I am deeply concerned about the impact on my integrity and the administration; this continues to be a distraction from the real national issues and your agenda.”
“I therefore wish to tender my resignation as Minister of Commerce & Industry. a position that I ably served with integrity and passion for the past nine months. My family and I remain thankful to you for the opportunity to serve our people. I wish you and the administration the best as we look forward to a better Liberia”, he added.
Meanwhile, in the wake of Modad’s resignation, the calls for an investigation have intensified with many calling for a thorough investigation into not only his purchase but also the procurement processes and financial practices of the MOCI.
Sanctioned Margibi County Senator, Nathaniel McGill posted, “Amin’s resignation is a necessary first step, but it is far from sufficient. The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) violated the law by instructing Medtech to purchase the vehicle, and the investigation must continue, regardless of Modad’s resignation.”
“The Liberian Senate, in its report on Medtech, pointed to this as a gross violation of the agreement and recommended that the General Auditing Commission (GAC) conduct a full audit to determine how much Medtech spent on behalf of the government.”
The report further recommended that Medtech be held accountable for repayment.
“Despite being fully aware of this breach, the LRA still authorized Medtech to proceed with the unlawful transaction. While Amin personally benefited, the LRA was the one that broke the law, making both parties equally guilty and liable.
This situation is not just about Amin’s resignation, it’s about upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. If those principles are not enforced, such violations will continue to erode public trust,” McGill intoned.
As the government has yet to respond to Amin Modad’s resignation, the situation highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within Liberia’s leadership.
The focus will also be on how the government responds to the calls for investigation and accountability while the public continues to demand transparency and ethical governance from their leaders.
In the coming weeks, it’s predicted to be crucial for the Boakai administration to demonstrate its commitment to addressing corruption and restoring public trust, as the handling of Modad’s resignation and the subsequent investigation will serve as a litmus test for the government’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions and inactions.
