By Grace Q. Bryant
The General Services Agency (GSA) has introduced a new policy limiting the purchase price of government vehicles to US$60,000 in an effort to control government spending and promote efficient asset management.
The decision, aimed at ensuring responsible procurement practices, was announced by GSA Director General, Galakpai Kortimai, during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
“Effective immediately, all electronically controlled diesel engine vehicles are deemed unsuitable for government use due to their history of poor performance. To prevent procurement-related issues and ensure compliance with government standards, all procuring entities must consult the GSA for a technical evaluation before acquiring fleet assets,” he disclosed.
According to him, this regulation provides the official framework for purchasing vehicles that align with the government’s operational needs.”
He cited past instances where expensive vehicles purchased by previous administrations quickly became non-functional, leading to significant financial losses for the state.
As part of these reforms, the GSA has also introduced two new administrative regulations, effective February 19, 2025 which includes: a ban on electronically controlled diesel engine vehicles. This policy prohibits the purchase of electronically controlled diesel engine vehicles due to maintenance challenges and poor performance.
The restriction on government vehicles leaving Liberia is that no government-owned vehicle will be allowed to exit the country without prior written approval from the GSA Director General.
“To enforce these measures, security agencies and government institutions have been instructed to prevent the unauthorized use of state assets,” he said.
The GSA has deployed inspectors across all 15 counties with larger counties receiving additional personnel to strengthen oversight.
Director General Kortimai revealed that compliance efforts have already begun, citing the recent return of a government vehicle by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) to its designated agency.
He also issued a stern warning, stating that public officials who violate these regulations will face administrative action.
“Government properties must be used in the best interest of the country. We are working closely with the Liberia Immigration Service to ensure proper asset management,” he emphasized.
Director General Kortimai reaffirms the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible asset management.
“We urge all security agencies to remain vigilant in upholding the integrity of these new policies,” he stated. With these new regulations in place, the government aims to curb wasteful spending and ensure that state resources are utilized effectively in service of the Liberian people.
