MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai broke his silence on Thursday regarding the controversial arrival of the first 24 of 285 heavy-duty trucks and earth-moving machines. His attempt to provide clarity has raised further questions about the “gentleman’s agreement” with a long-time friend facilitating the importation in support of his government’s ARREST Agenda.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
In a communication addressed to both the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, President Boakai asserted that his government is “scrupulously pursuing the acquisition process for these machines guided by the principles of transparency and good faith.”
The Gentleman’s Agreement
President Boakai explained that the initiative stemmed from a conversation with a long-time friend who shares a commitment to the ARREST Agenda. This friend offered to provide the equipment in good faith and on a gentleman’s agreement, moved by solidarity and a desire to expedite the development agenda. However, President Boakai did not name this friend. He clarified that the government is still in the negotiation stage and no formal contract or financial commitment has been made. “The discussions are ongoing, and no financial commitment has been made by the Government of Liberia and not a dime paid,” President Boakai stated.
The President emphasized that the equipment, which arrived last weekend, came at no cost to the government. “The first batch of equipment that arrived in the country was shipped at the supplier’s expense. The GOL [Government of Liberia] has not incurred any costs related to the transportation or acquisition of these machines,” he further stated. The communication also noted that the supplier could either return the equipment or sell them in Liberia if the government fails to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. President Boakai implied that the legislature has not been involved because no formal contract requiring legislative ratification has been reached. “Once the negotiations are concluded and a formal agreement is reached, we will promptly submit the necessary documents to the Legislature for consideration/ratification. At that point, we welcome any requests for clarifications or discussions to ensure the process remains transparent and accountable,” he communicated.
‘Pardon The Error’
The reading of the President’s communication in session sparked a heated debate, leading to the leadership seizing the matter. Two lawmakers from the ruling Unity Party admitted procedural errors led to the equipment’s arrival. Montserrado County District 5 Representative Prescilla Abram Cooper stated that despite being part of President Boakai’s “Rescue Mission” advocating for transparency, the process contradicted their promises to the Liberian people. “Let’s be very frank, you cannot say there was a discussion for the country with a friend without following the proper steps. This Legislature is being overlooked, and we should address it. Government cannot be done on friendship,” she argued.
Bomi County District 2 Representative Manah Bishop acknowledged the procedural error but considered it harmless and believed the legislators should manage the damage. “I think we wronged you, colleagues. Everyone is right in their debate and argument that these processes were not followed correctly. I apologize to the rest of you, my colleagues. The machines are good for the growth of the country,” he said.
Senator Konneh’s Scrutiny
Senate’s Chair on Public Accounts and Audit, Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County, called for careful scrutiny of the President’s communication. In a Facebook post, Sen. Konneh urged his colleagues and private citizens to consider the reasoning behind the government’s possession of the equipment and their public display before taking them to the BTC Barracks, despite being privately owned. “It is crucial to address whether it is appropriate for the President to enter into informal agreements with a close associate on behalf of the nation. Who is the ‘friend,’ and what exactly is his relationship to the president? Understanding this is important for transparency, good governance, and the President’s anti-corruption agenda. Depending on how he handles the transactions, these yellow machines could define President Boakai’s legacy. His advisors don’t seem to be helping him,” Konneh stated.
Stop The Bluff
John Morlu, former Auditor General and a strategic member of President Boakai’s Rescue Mission, called on the President to admit his errors. Morlu, who became vocal on President Boakai’s missteps after the election, argued, “Once you take custody, the risks and ownership have passed to you. Why can’t Uncle Joe simply say we made a mistake, apologize, and ask the Legislature to regularize the situation?” He added that regularizing such mistakes is common in a democracy, but the truth must first be established. “This is done in the USA through the Anti-Deficiency Act. Uncle Joe cannot believe the content of his letter is true and fair.” He asserted that government business cannot be conducted based on friendship and gentleman’s agreements. “A Liberian government official took ownership from the port, transported yellow machines from the NPA, and parked them in your garage (military barracks). Liberia is 100% on the hook for this transaction. This is simple Accounting 101 and Contracts with Customers 101,” Morlu stated in a social media post.
The Mystery Friend
Guma Africa Group, The Liberian Investigator has learned, is one of the companies providing the machines. The company is owned by Mr. Robert Gumede, a South African billionaire who is reportedly the friend referred to by President Boakai. The company is part of a tripartite venture with the Liberian Government and US-based High Power Exploration (HPX) to build Liberia’s Liberty Corridor, a railway connecting Guinea and Liberia. The US$3 billion to US$5 billion project will connect Nimba, Guinea’s richest mining region, with a new railroad to a new deepwater port in Liberia and extend the existing hydropower network from Côte d’Ivoire into the Nimba districts of Liberia and Guinea.
At the agreement signing in Febraury, President Boakai said, “We are happy with the relationship with our American and South African counterparts, especially seeing this project comes less than a month into my new administration. We have to prove to our partners that we are serious, accountable, and honest, and that corruption will not hinder this administration.”
The Daily Observer reported on Thursday that HPX, which appears to have close business ties with Guma Africa Group, is seeking 80 acres of land from the National Port Authority at the Port of Buchanan for phase one of its iron ore trans-shipment project. According to the Daily Observer, a team of HPX engineers has been seen visiting the Port of Buchanan for technical assessments.
This negotiation comes amid media reports that the controversial yellow machines could be part of a deal by HPX through Guma Africa Group to secure a lucrative concession in Liberia.
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