MONROVIA – Outspoken Liberian activist Martin K. N. Kollie has publicly criticized Commerce Minister Amin Modad for his use of a 2024 Chevy Suburban valued at over US$100,000, describing it as a glaring symbol of government excess while thousands of Liberian parents struggle to afford tuition for their children.
In a fiery statement titled “The Cartel Continues – This is NOT Rescue”, Kollie lambasted Minister Modad, questioning how the “Rescue” administration could justify such an extravagant expense while civil servants earn a mere US$150 per month and the country faces severe economic challenges. “Just the vehicle of Commerce Minister Amin Modad alone can pay 10,083 civil servants for a month,” Kollie remarked, calling the purchase an abuse of power and a betrayal of the promises made to the Liberian people, particularly those who supported President Boakai’s administration in hopes of better governance.
Kollie’s statement went beyond the price tag of the luxury vehicle, alleging that the funds used to purchase the car were tied to MedTech Scientific Limited, a Dubai-based company currently under investigation for defrauding Liberia of millions of dollars. Kollie accused Minister Modad of complicity, asserting that the vehicle was acquired through a MedTech-Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) arrangement as part of a so-called “Capacity-Building Support” to the Ministry of Commerce. “This is not ‘capacity building’ – this is corruption,” Kollie said, demanding an independent investigation into the matter.
The activist further highlighted that the luxurious vehicle stands in stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by many Liberians, especially those affected by unprecedented floods, widespread unemployment, and skyrocketing food prices. He also questioned Minister Modad’s defense of recent rice price hikes, stating that his actions favored importers over struggling households.
“Minister Modad didn’t push back against the unreasonable demand of importers to increase rice prices. Instead, he defended them,” Kollie said, adding that Modad’s decisions have far-reaching economic implications for poor Liberians.
Kollie also pointed out that Modad’s acceptance of the vehicle violated Liberia’s 2014 Code of Conduct, specifically sections on receiving gifts and conflict of interest. He emphasized that receiving a vehicle from a company under investigation is a breach of public trust and a clear conflict of interest. He urged the government to take immediate action, stating, “A company you’re supposed to exercise oversight over is now providing cash through the LRA for you to buy a luxury car. How can this be justified?”
Kollie’s statement also touched on the broader implications of the scandal, including its impact on the credibility of President Boakai’s government. “The scandals keep piling up, but President Boakai is ignoring them and doing nothing,” he said, voicing disappointment in the administration’s failure to address corruption and mismanagement.
“This is a joke, and it is this same joke that we, the people, fought against from 2018 to 2023,” Kollie concluded. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the administration to live up to its promises of integrity, accountability, and a true “rescue” for the Liberian people.
As the public awaits a response from the Ministry of Commerce and President Boakai’s office, the scandal is expected to kindle further debate over governance, transparency, and Liberia’s handling of public resources.
