MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Commissioner of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), John H. T. Stewart, has voiced his concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding Commerce Minister Amin Modad and the Director-General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Dorbor Jallah. In a statement issued on Monday, September 23, 2024, under the title, “On the Amin Modad-Dorbor Jallah Wahala,” Stewart criticized the handling of import inspection and revenue collection agreements that he believes have been detrimental to Liberia’s interests.
According to Stewart, Liberia’s current Pre-Shipment Inspection Agreement with Societe General de Surveillance (SGS) ensures that imported goods are inspected and certified to prevent the entry of substandard or misdeclared items. SGS, in return, receives a 2% commission on the total value realized from import duties. This arrangement, he explained, includes safeguards such as the Cargo Tracking Number (CTN) and indemnification against losses in case substandard goods are delivered.
However, Stewart pointed to a troubling shift in practices under the Met-Tech Agreement, where “Destination Inspection” is used instead of pre-shipment inspection. This shift, he argued, has allowed for the inspection of goods only after they arrive in Liberia, leaving room for criminal activity, such as the recent case where illicit drugs were smuggled in containers falsely declared as carrying chicken parts.
“What is mindboggling is that the bogus Met-Tech and Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) agreements appear to have passed the scrutiny of the Minister of Justice,” Stewart remarked, criticizing the role of government officials in enabling these questionable practices. He expressed disbelief at how the revenue-sharing arrangement heavily favors Met-Tech, with 80% of the revenue going to the company and only 20% to the government—funds that are still controlled by Met-Tech.
Stewart reserved harsh words for both Amin Modad and Dorbor Jallah, stating that they have “lost their salt” in allowing these agreements to stand. He questioned how the LRA has become involved in the purchase of vehicles for ministries, comparing the actions of the officials to “daylight highway armed robbery.”
Calling for immediate action, Stewart urged the suspension of Modad and Jallah, pending a thorough investigation. “In the opinion of the public, both Dorbor Jallah and Amin Modad ought to be suspended pending a full investigation and, if found liable, be dismissed forthwith and criminally prosecuted,” he stated. Stewart concluded by reminding the public that Liberia’s founding principles should guide the country’s governance, citing the 1847 Declaration of Independence that affirmed Liberia as a nation not born of ambition or avaricious speculation.
This controversy adds to growing concerns about transparency and accountability within the government, particularly in the administration of Liberia’s trade and revenue sectors. Stewart’s statement may fuel further public pressure for reform and accountability in how Liberia manages its international trade and revenue agreements.
