Monrovia – Bong County District #3 Representative J. Marvin Cole has accused the Joseph Boakai-led government of violating Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) regulations.
By Jaheim Tumu, [email protected]
Rep. Cole, appearing on Spoon Talk, described the procurement process for earth-moving equipment as a “mafia operation.” As the House Chair on Rules and Order, he threatened to reject President Boakai’s yellow machine loan agreement, which is reportedly set to be submitted to the Liberian Legislature for approval.
“As a lawmaker elected with more than 19,500 votes, I would never support allocating money to an institution without proper procedures,” said Rep. Cole. “This undermines the credibility of our institutions, like the PPCC. The lack of adherence to procurement procedures suggests violations and disrespect for the rule of law. That’s what President Boakai is demonstrating.”
Recently, the government of Liberia was unable to confirm or clarify the arrival of a large consignment of earth-moving equipment delivered at the Freeport of Monrovia, which drew public attention and speculation. The shipment, widely circulated on social media, includes numerous yellow machines and trucks typically used in large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. Some officials have hinted that the equipment is intended for government operations.
According to OK FM, the National Port Authority Managing Director Sekou Dukuly confirmed the arrival of an initial batch of yellow machines at Free Port of Monrovia including a fleet of heavy-duty trucks on Monday, but did not say they are part of the package announced by the government.
During the administration’s first cabinet retreat in Monrovia last May, Minister of State without Portfolio Mamaka Bility announced that 285 pieces of equipment, including yellow machines and trucks, were en route to Liberia, prompting applause from those in attendance.
A video showcasing earth-moving machines adorned with President Joseph Boakai’s photos and the Liberian flag, captioned “Handover ceremony – Presidential infrastructure program – President Joseph Boakai,” features Minister Bility, Sylvester Grisby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and Roland Lafayette Giddings, Minister of Public Works, praising the deal with SANY Global, a Chinese-based heavy machinery manufacturing company, and the Guma Group based in South Africa.
However, this sparked concerns among the public, including opposition parties and some members of the ruling Unity Party Alliance, who have questioned the transparency and legitimacy of the acquisition. Critics have raised concerns about the procurement process, questioning whether it followed legal and ethical standards and about the funding sources for these machines.
In response, the Unity Party government retracted its previous announcement regarding a potential agreement to procure 285 earth-moving machines intended for road construction and maintenance. Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah stated, “The government has not made a decision on the earth-moving equipment. There was only a video unveiling the vehicles that the government is considering, but no decision has been made. Once concluded, it will be announced, and all legal procedures will be followed.”
Rep. Cole’s comments come amid speculations that President Boakai has written the Legislature regarding the purchase of the yellow machines. Cole, who chairs the House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, did not confirm whether the President has submitted any agreement to the House but noted that the President is being ill-advised on the matter.
“Even if we accept your argument, why is he writing to the Legislature to approve the purchase of the machines when he was authorized? The President did not follow the PPCC procedures or any competitive bidding processes, and he did not return to the Legislature for the agreement to be ratified,” Cole asserted.
He called for adherence to proper procedures, transparency, and accountability to maintain the integrity of public institutions and ensure responsible governance. He vowed to reject any request from the President. “The standard that the President wants to set is unacceptable. I will vote against it, and if a single Liberian dollar goes towards paying for those machines, we will ensure that there is no more procurement process in this country. We will shut down the PPCC. The President has set a standard where you can just go and pick anything from anywhere.”
The cost of the yellow machines is estimated between $40 to $60 million, according to reports. Cole argued that these machines could have been obtained through dubious means.
“I referred to it as a mafia operation because only such an arrangement could be a mafia operation. You must have a competitive bidding process as required by law, not go behind the scenes to deal with one mafia and take our money and put it in the hands of the wrong person,” he said.
