Monrovia – An investigation conducted by The Liberian Investigator has established that the public buses brought into the country by Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph have been moved to Nimba County, where they are now being rented to ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) for the senator’s personal financial gain. The buses, once a symbol of affordable transportation for Montserrado residents under the slogan “Let’s Make Montserrado Great Again,” have vanished from the streets, leaving citizens grappling with transportation challenges.
Several citizens, including students, market vendors, and workers, have raised deep concerns over the abrupt disappearance of the yellow school buses Senator Joseph imported to ease public transport. These buses were widely seen as a relief for struggling commuters, charging a flat L$50 fare across the county. However, since the October 10, 2023, legislative and presidential elections, the buses have been missing from public spaces in Montserrado County.
In response to growing concerns, The Liberian Investigator embarked on a two-day investigation to track down the missing buses. Findings revealed that these vehicles, originally presented as a public service initiative, have instead been relocated to Nimba County and are being rented to ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Montserrado Citizens Decry Transport Hardships
Montserrado residents interviewed by The Liberian Investigator on January 18, 2024, expressed frustration over the absence of the buses. Pst. William Gray Jr., a resident of Gardnersville, lamented the lack of affordable transport, noting that the buses had once made travel within the county easier. “Since the election of President Joseph Boakai, I have not seen those buses plying the streets. Some said they were on the UL [University of Liberia] campus, but when I checked, they were not there.”
Sarah Williams, a resident of Randall Street in Central Monrovia, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing how the buses’ absence has increased transportation costs. “We used to pay L$50 to get anywhere in Montserrado. Now, taxis charge L$150, and people are struggling to find affordable transport,” she said.
Musa Bility of Gurley Street recalled that his last sighting of one of the buses was in early 2024. “It was a great help to the people, but now we are left to fend for ourselves in the chaotic transport system,” he said.
One of the buses spotted on the Sanniquellie to Yekepa highway. Photo by Lennart Dodoo
Criticism of Senator Joseph and Political Deception
Many citizens view the disappearance of the buses as a sign of political deception. Bility criticized politicians for failing to sustain initiatives that benefit the public. “Liberian politicians only care about their personal benefits. They use these projects to win votes and abandon them after elections. I will never vote for any senator or representative again.”
Matthias A. Rally, a student of Christian High School, added, “A leader should implement initiatives that last beyond elections. Senator Joseph started something good but has now abandoned it.”
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
The Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Anderson D. Miamen, emphasized the need for accountability. Speaking to The Liberian Investigator, he said, “Senator Joseph was highly engaged with the public during the Weah administration, but that has changed under the current government. The buses were meant to serve Montserrado, yet they have been removed from the county.”
Miamen questioned the origins of the funds used to procure the buses and called for greater scrutiny. “Lawmakers should not be the ones running public transportation. This is where corruption emerges. If he used legitimate funds, why can’t he continue the service?”
The buses now provide transportation services for mine workers in Nimba County. Photo credit: Lennart Dodoo
Government’s Role in Public Transportation
While individual politicians may contribute to public services, Miamen stressed that the government has the ultimate responsibility to provide sustainable transport solutions. He called on the Boakai administration to enhance public transportation while urging Senator Joseph to clarify the status of the buses. “These buses were supposed to help the people. Their disappearance must be addressed.”
Background on the Buses
Senator Joseph imported ten buses from the United States in August 2022, reportedly spending over US$10,000 per unit. At the time, he handed operational control to then-Montserrado Superintendent Florence Brandy, pledging that fares would remain low to ease citizens’ burdens. The senator claimed that proceeds from the buses would fund maintenance, pay staff salaries, and support local community initiatives.
Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph
Buses Rented to ArcelorMittal Liberia
Further investigation by The Liberian Investigator established that Senator Joseph is currently leasing the same buses to ArcelorMittal Liberia in Nimba County. This revelation has fueled public outcry, with citizens questioning the senator’s commitment to public service.
When contacted for comment on the whereabouts of the buses, Senator Joseph did not respond despite multiple follow ups. The Liberian Investigator sent the Senator the following questions via WhatsApp Messenger on January 25, 2025:
Good morning, Senator Joseph, my name is Blamo N. Toe, assigned reporter to The Liberian Senate by The Liberian Investigator (TLI).
Sir, I’m kindly seeking a one-on-one in-person or via mobile phone interview with you possibly today to make a follow-up on an investigation I’ve been doing for over two weeks now.
Below are the questions:
- Senator Joseph, why are the buses you introduced to address transportation challenges in Montserrado no longer operating in the county?
- Reports indicate that these buses are now in Nimba, rented to ArcelorMittal Liberia. Can you confirm this and explain the reason for their relocation?
- The buses were meant to serve the public in Montserrado. How do you justify their current use in a private venture?
- Are you personally benefitting financially from the alleged rental of the buses to ArcelorMittal, and if so, how are these funds being managed?
Discussion about this post