MONROVIA – In a move that has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the allocation of resources in Liberia, President George Weah’s ruling party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has reportedly obtained a significant number of vehicles for their reelection campaign.
The acquisition includes over 200 pickup trucks, more than 150 motorbikes, and even a helicopter, with a combined cost exceeding US$10 million.
This development comes at a time when crucial public services, such as the national police and army, are facing severe shortages of vehicles, hampering their ability to perform their duties effectively. Embarrassingly though, this medium has been informed that Weah took 15 of the pickup trucks and donated it to the Police.
The decision by President Weah’s party to prioritize campaign vehicles over essential resources for the police, army, and public services has ignited public outrage. Critics argue that this move demonstrates a disregard for the urgent needs of the country and a prioritization of political interests over the well-being of the Liberian people.
Of particular concern is the dire state of the healthcare system. Reports indicate that hospitals across the country are lacking ambulances, making it extremely challenging to provide timely medical assistance to those in need. The absence of a sufficient number of ambulances poses a significant risk to the lives of Liberian citizens, especially in emergency situations where swift transportation is critical. Hospitals are also lacking medicines.
The acquisition of a helicopter by the CDC for campaign purposes has also drawn significant attention. With a price tag of over US$3.6 million, this purchase has raised eyebrows given the pressing needs of the nation.
Many argue that such a substantial investment could have been better utilized to address the pressing issues facing Liberia, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The helicopter was bought to fly Weah to the Southeast, his home region where he has failed to build the roads. He has Campaigned for his first term to build the highway but failed.
As President Weah actively seeks a second term in office, these recent actions have further fueled skepticism among the Liberian populace. Critics argue that the government’s focus on securing reelection at any cost undermines the principles of good governance and neglects the urgent needs of the country.
In response to the public outcry, civil society organizations, opposition parties, and concerned citizens are calling for greater accountability and transparency in resource allocation. They demand that the government prioritize the welfare of its citizens and address the critical shortages faced by public services, particularly the national police, army, and healthcare system.
