⁃ Resigns as Commerce Minister, Will Dorbor Jallah do the same?
By Jerromie S. Walters, G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I and Kebeh Sammie
In the wake of President Boakai’s alleged refusal to meet Commerce Minister Amin Modad on the evening of Tuesday, October 8, startling developments have emerged: Commerce Minister Amin Modad has reportedly tendered his resignation. This decision comes amidst a storm of public outcry and scrutiny over his alleged extravagant spending on a luxury vehicle.
Witnesses reported seeing Modad driving away from the Ministerial compound while other ministers arrived for a cabinet retreat at the ministerial complex. His departure was met with jubilation from employees of the Ministry of Commerce, some of whom claimed that Modad resigned to preempt a dismissal.
“He resigned because he doesn’t want to be dismissed,” one employee commented.
The controversy centers around allegations that Modad authorized the purchase of a customized vehicle valued at US$96,000 by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for his personal use. This purchase is alleged to have violated the 2024 budget law, which stipulates that vehicle procurement costs, except for the highest-ranking officials such as the President, Vice President, Speaker, Pro-Tempore, Deputy Speaker, and the Chief Justice of Liberia, should not exceed US$45,000 after duty.
In a release on September 23, 2024, the LRA attempted to clarify the situation, denying the purchase of a vehicle valued at US$150,000, as some reports suggested. The LRA confirmed that it had approved a request from the Ministry of Commerce in early May 2024 for US$96,000 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund under the Destination Inspection (DI) Contract with MEDTECH Scientific Limited (MTS) for vehicle purchases intended to support trade-related activities in collaboration with Customs. The LRA emphasized that the specifications and deployment of these vehicles were determined by the Ministry of Commerce, not the LRA.
Contradicting the LRA’s clarification, Minister Modad maintained that the vehicle in question was purchased for the Ministry of Commerce, with payments made directly to the vendor, and that no funds passed through the ministry or his accounts. He also refuted claims that the vehicle was custom-made or that it was purchased for US$150,000. “I’ve been using my vehicles, including an S-Class Mercedes, since I took office eight months ago, and I cover the costs of fuel and my driver’s salary myself,” Modad stated.
The story has sparked a significant debate in Liberia, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in government spending. As the situation unfolds, the implications of Modad’s resignation and the allegations of financial impropriety will likely continue to reverberate throughout the political landscape.
Observers are growing increasingly concerned about the potential fallout for Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) in the wake of the scandal involving both senior government officials. The controversy has not only cast a shadow over Commerce Minister Amin Modad, who has reportedly resigned, but it also raises questions about the accountability and oversight within the LRA itself.
Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah, who is responsible for overseeing the LRA’s operations, now faces a challenging environment where public trust is at an all-time low. The allegations that the LRA approved the purchase of a luxury vehicle for the Ministry of Commerce under questionable circumstances have put Jallah in a precarious position. Critics argue that this incident could indicate deeper systemic issues within the LRA, potentially implicating its highest leadership in the lack of proper checks and balances.
Political analysts suggest that Commissioner General Jallah might be subjected to intense scrutiny and pressure from both the public and other government officials. There are calls for a thorough investigation into the LRA’s role in the vehicle procurement process to determine whether there was any misconduct or negligence. If the investigation finds evidence of wrongdoing, it could lead to a broader shake-up within the LRA, including potential resignations or dismissals of key personnel.
Moreover, the scandal has sparked a broader debate about the need for reform in Liberia’s public procurement processes. Observers are advocating for more stringent regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. They argue that the current scandal underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations, particularly in financial matters involving public funds.
In the interim, Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah might take proactive steps to restore confidence in the LRA. This could include initiating an internal audit, cooperating fully with any external investigations, and implementing immediate measures to enhance the transparency of the LRA’s procurement processes. Demonstrating a commitment to accountability could help mitigate some of the damage to the LRA’s reputation.
As the situation develops, the fate of Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah and the broader implications for the LRA will be closely watched. The outcome of this scandal could have lasting effects on Liberia’s governmental institutions, potentially prompting significant changes aimed at strengthening governance and reducing corruption.
