MONROVIA – Anderson D. Miamen, a vocal critic of bad governance and Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has joined a chorus of voices condemning the controversial purchase of a US$96,000 vehicle for Commerce Minister Amin Modad. The funds for the purchase were drawn from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Customs Capacity Building Fund, under the Destination Inspection (DI) Contract with MEDTECH Scientific Limited (MTS), meant to support trade-related activities of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) in collaboration with Customs.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024, titled “Why Should It Almost Always be About the Interest or Wellbeing of Those in Government or Power and Not Ordinary Citizens?” Miamen expressed his deep concern and disappointment over the extravagant expenditure in a country facing serious financial challenges.
“Lately, there have been claims and counterclaims about the Minister of Commerce and Industry buying a vehicle worth over US$100,000. If the luxurious vehicle in question is indeed the one purchased for the Minister’s use, then Liberians have genuine reasons to be concerned. I am equally concerned and disappointed,” Miamen said.
He questioned the logic of such financial decisions in a self-inflicted poor country like Liberia, highlighting the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of public officials and the dire conditions faced by ordinary citizens.
“Why should a poor country like Liberia buy a vehicle of this kind for one public official? What is the rationale behind such financial dealings? Why are we this wicked to ourselves?” Miamen asked.
Miamen’s criticism goes beyond the Commerce Minister’s vehicle purchase. He pointed out the broader issue of excessive spending by public officials while critical sectors such as health, education, and civil servant wages remain grossly underfunded. He also criticized the government’s continued dependence on international donors for basic needs while engaging in wasteful expenditures, including extravagant travels by the President with large delegations.
“We beg development partners and donors for almost everything. We complain about not having money to pay teachers, health workers, police officers, and other hardworking civil servants. Yet, one ministry and minister can purchase a vehicle worth over US$75,000. The President travels with a large entourage, wasting public resources in the process,” Miamen stated.
He concluded by calling for more radical but lawful actions from citizens, civil society organizations, and the media to hold public officials accountable for the misuse of public funds. Miamen urged the Civil Servants Association of Liberia to mobilize its members to stand up against the excesses of those in power.
“As commonly stated, 99 days for the thief, one day for the master. With time, Liberia’s story will surely change. We need to engage in smart, strategic, and perhaps non-traditional ways to achieve the desired positive outcomes,” Miamen concluded.
His statement underscores growing public frustration over the perceived misuse of public resources by Liberia’s government officials, calling for greater accountability and transparency.
