MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s declaration that EcoBank Liberia is financing the long-delayed acquisition of the government’s “yellow machines” has ignited a new wave of political controversy, reopening questions about procurement transparency, legislative oversight, and the administration’s credibility. The President made the comments on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during the dedication of 32 new National Transit Authority buses in Garderville, stating that the same financial arrangement used for the buses is being applied to the heavy-duty road-building equipment expected to arrive soon. His announcement immediately clashed with existing public records and revived concerns that have lingered since early 2024, when the procurement of the yellow machines became a national scandal.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Boakai thanked EcoBank for “financing the NTA buses” and revealed that “the same ECOWAS Bank is financing our yellow machines.” He emphasized that the new buses would not be misused by government officials, insisting that any government usage must be paid for. While his comments were intended to signal fiscal prudence, they instead triggered fresh doubts given Liberia’s already complicated history with the yellow machines program.
The yellow machines, referring to a fleet of earth-moving and road-construction equipment, became a flashpoint in 2024 after inconsistencies emerged regarding the procurement process, financing source, and the involvement of the Ministry of State. Reports across Liberian media highlighted conflicting statements from senior officials, changes to procurement documents, and concerns that the acquisition was being pursued outside legal frameworks. Then-House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa demanded clarity after documents suggested the Executive had initiated discussions without legislative approval.
Smart News Liberia has now confirmed that Evergreen Liberia Limited, a Chinese firm operating in Liberia, has already been selected to supply the yellow machines. This revelation adds another layer of complexity, contradicting the President’s implication that EcoBank is directly financing the procurement. Instead, opposition figures argue that the arrangement resembles a standard commercial contract, one that should have been transparently tendered, awarded, and ratified by the Legislature.
Former Representative Acarious Moses Gray of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change quickly challenged the President’s narrative, questioning how EcoBank could be financing both the buses and the upcoming machines when “a Liberian company brought in the buses” and a Chinese firm “won the bid” for the heavy equipment. Gray argued that the President’s explanation raises more questions than answers surrounding the legality and transparency of the deal.
Gray further referenced Article 34(d)(iii) of the Constitution, which mandates that any loan contracted on behalf of the Republic must be approved by the Legislature. He demanded public disclosure of whether a loan was taken, who requested it, and whether the funds were intended for Evergreen Liberia or another entity. His concerns mirror earlier criticism by civil society groups and procurement experts, who argued in 2024 that the Executive was bypassing established legal procedures.
The opposition’s questions also resurrect concerns about whether funds for the yellow machines were already included in the 2025 national budget. If budgetary allocation was made, analysts ask why a separate loan facility would be used. If a loan has been taken, why was it not submitted to the Legislature for ratification? These conflicting details deepen fears that the government has not been fully forthcoming.
Public accountability advocates, including activist Martin Kollie, have previously warned that the yellow machines saga reflects a pattern of opaque decision-making within the Boakai administration. They argue that unless the Executive presents full documentation and explanation, the controversy risks undermining the government’s credibility and infrastructure agenda.
Sources within the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning have privately expressed concern that the President’s statement may have prematurely disclosed sensitive procurement details. One ministry official, speaking anonymously, suggested that “the financing structure is still being finalized,” indicating internal confusion rather than a clear, unified position.
As Liberians await the arrival of the equipment, the political fallout continues to grow. Lawmakers are reportedly preparing to summon key government officials to explain the procurement timeline, financing arrangements, and legal basis for the deal. Analysts warn that unless the administration provides a coherent narrative supported by documentation, the issue could evolve into a deeper governance crisis.
For now, the yellow machines that were intended to symbolize progress in Liberia’s infrastructure development have instead become a symbol of controversy, raising doubts about transparency at the highest levels of government and challenging the administration’s commitment to accountability.
