The recent controversy surrounding the proposed acquisition of 285 earth-moving machines for road construction and maintenance across Liberia has once again highlighted the critical need for transparency and accountability in government dealings.
What began as a promising announcement from Minister of State without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, quickly turned into a murky issue fraught with confusion and public distrust.
Minister Bility’s declaration at a major cabinet retreat was in the presence of President Joseph Boakai and his Information Minister which was greeted by a rousing appreciation by the rest of the cabinet members over a decision which was essential for the maintenance of the roads.
The plan to allocate 19 pieces of equipment per county, regardless of size, was especially commendable for its potential to ease the burdens faced by rural farmers and travelers; such an initiative could significantly improve connectivity and economic activity across the nation, aligning with the President’s vision of modernizing Liberia’s infrastructure.
However, the excitement was short-lived after Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah’s subsequently clarified that “no deal has been made” casting a shadow over the entire affair thus raising serious concerns about the coherence and coordination within the government.
Whatever it is or has turned into at this juncture, in as much as we would be excited to receive such equipment which would be useful to ending our road dramas, we call on the government to ensure that the government remains on the track of transparency, being fully cognizant that transparency and accountability must guide this government’s plans.
Moving forward, the government must take decisive steps to restore public trust and this includes a thorough and transparent investigation into the entire process surrounding the proposed deal; this is, all communications and decisions should be clearly documented and made available for public scrutiny.
Only through these principles can we ensure that public resources are used effectively and that the interests of all Liberians are truly served.
The government must now work to rebuild trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethical governance and the well-being of its citizens.
