MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The controversy surrounding Liberia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amin Modad, shows no signs of easing as new allegations continue to surface. Activist Martin Kollie recently reignited the scandal with a statement titled “IPD To The Highest Bidder – Minister Amin Modad’s Problem Keeps Adding Up.” Kollie’s claims have sent shockwaves, exposing an alleged scheme in which Minister Modad awarded Import Permits Declarations (IPD) to bidders in exchange for significant sums of money.
One of Kollie’s key accusations involves MedTech, a company currently under investigation by the Liberian Senate for tax evasion and other corrupt practices. According to Kollie, Minister Modad is personally benefiting from the financial resources of MedTech, going as far as to allege that the minister’s new 2024 Chevy Suburban was purchased with cash provided by MedTech through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). Despite Modad’s denial of direct ownership, he admitted that the vehicle was indeed bought in the name of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). Kollie, however, maintains that the issue is not ownership, but the conflict of interest inherent in accepting such a gift from a company the minister is supposed to regulate.
Kollie stated: “The vehicle in question was bought with cash made available by MedTech for the Minister’s use. This amounts to conflict of interest, influence peddling, and political corruption.” Kollie’s criticism grew sharper, challenging Modad to disclose the exact source of the funds for the vehicle and publish the car’s documents for public scrutiny. The activist accuses Modad of defending MedTech, a company whose actions should be under investigation, not protected.
The car scandal, however, is only one part of a growing list of accusations against Modad. Liberian businessman Musa Fofee Fofana has accused the minister of backtracking on a US$60,000 deal. According to Fofana, he provided the funds to Modad in exchange for an IPD to import steel rods, a deal which Modad allegedly reneged on by giving IPDs for steel imports to Lebanese businesses instead. Fofana claimed that Modad suggested importing rice as an alternative, despite Fofana’s financial capacity to handle steel imports.
This is not the first time Modad has faced public scrutiny. Observers have long questioned his motives, especially after he justified the increase in rice prices in a country where more than half of the population lives on less than a dollar a day. These questionable decisions, coupled with his connections to MedTech, have raised concerns about the integrity of his leadership.
Political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks added fuel to the fire, stating that Modad’s attempt at clarification only adds to suspicions. “The minister’s justification speaks volumes. He confirmed the vehicle was purchased in the name of the MOCI, but the fact that he is using the car under such controversial circumstances points to clear misconduct,” Patricks noted. He further criticized Modad for paying his driver out of pocket for eight months, raising questions about the driver’s absence from the government payroll and the minister’s overall management of public resources.
For critics like Kollie and Patricks, the issue is clear: Modad’s actions reflect abuse of power, corruption, and disregard for the public trust. The links between Modad, MedTech, and the IPD scandal have cast a dark shadow over the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, raising concerns about whether the “Rescue Mission” government is living up to its promises of transparency and accountability.
As public pressure mounts, many are calling for Modad to step down from his position. Kollie concluded his statement with a stern warning: “This is not ‘Rescue.’ We won’t allow anyone to do the very same bad things we struggled and advocated against between 2018 and 2023. The PEOPLE deserve better.”
Minister Modad has yet to provide a satisfactory explanation, leaving Liberians to wonder whether the country’s commerce sector is being run for the benefit of a few at the expense of the many. With the allegations mounting, the minister’s position appears increasingly untenable.
