MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sekou Kromah is facing allegations of corruption following reports that his ministry procured three substandard buses at an inflated price. Activist Martin K. N. Kollie has accused the minister of purchasing the buses at US$28,500 each—a total of US$85,500—despite claims that the real duty-free price of each vehicle is significantly lower.
Kollie revealed that the General Services Agency (GSA) rejected Kromah’s request to approve the procurement, citing discrepancies in cost and quality. According to a letter from the GSA, the agency refused to sanction the purchase after determining that the buses did not meet the stated price and were substandard. The vehicles, reportedly purchased from Prestige Motors in Clar Town, lack air conditioning, cushioned seats, and basic features such as a radio.
“The rejection of these three buses by the GSA alone is a cause for alarm and immediate investigation,” Kollie stated. “Kickbacks were reportedly received according to inside sources. This is corruption.”
He further alleged that Prestige Motors has refused to refund the payment or adjust the transaction, suggesting that the full US$28,500 per bus may not have been paid.
The buses, intended for the transportation of ministry employees, have also been rejected by the workers themselves, who are reportedly protesting the poor quality of the vehicles. Meanwhile, Minister Kromah has been accused of using a separate luxury vehicle valued at US$45,000 for his own transportation.
The allegations have sparked widespread concern, with Kollie calling for an immediate investigation into the procurement process. He has also urged international institutions, including the U.S. Embassy in Liberia, the European Union, and the International Monetary Fund, to take interest in the matter.
President Joseph Boakai has yet to respond to the growing concerns over alleged corruption within his administration.
