Monrovia, Liberia – Amin Modad, the minister of commerce for Liberia, resigned late on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in response to a report stating that President Boakai had refused to meet with him.
Modad stated, “Over the last few days, there has been public outcry over the purchase of a vehicle for over $45,000.00,” in his resignation letter to President Joseph N. Boakai. I am really concerned about the impact on my integrity and the administration, even though I have presented all the data and facts that unequivocally show that there was no misconduct; this is still a diversion from the true national concerns and your goal.
He said, “I thus want to submit my resignation from the job of Minister of Commerce & Industry, which I have competently held for the past nine months with honesty and passion. I am still grateful to you and my family for giving me this chance to help our people.
President Joseph N. Boakai stated during the extraordinary cabinet meeting that a minister need to know what kind of automobile they should drive. In order for government officials to be able to rule, President Boakai also urged them to notify the public of the largest automobile they want to purchase.
“For now, what is the maximum, even for a minister car? Surely, we ought to be informed. In order for us to be able to govern ourselves, let us and the people know about it, said Boakai.
Our correspondent reports that the trade minister was absent from a special cabinet meeting held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, despite his rumored resignation.
While other ministers were driving in to attend the cabinet retreat, Minister Modad was observed leaving the ministerial premises.
Employees were observed celebrating as the minister drove out of the Commerce Minister’s fence, announcing that the minister had resigned to escape being fired.
“He resigned because he doesn’t want to be dismissed,” they claimed.
Allegations that the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) purchased a $96,000 customized car for Modad’s personal use led to his departure.
The 2024 budget law, which stated that: The Minister’s purported resignation follows public outrage for his resignation following his claimed expenditure on the luxury car, is allegedly violated by the purchase of the customized vehicle.
“No vehicle purchase in 2024 may exceed US$45,000 at duty paid, with the exception of the President, Vice President, Speaker, Pro-Tempore, Deputy Speaker, and Chief Justice of Liberia.”
But the LRA stated in a release dated September 23, 2024, that it did not buy the car that was reportedly valued at US$ 150,00.
Early in May 2024, the Ministry of Commerce requested US$96,000.00 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund under the terms of the Destination Inspection (ID) Contract with MEDTECH Scientific Limited (MTS) to acquire cars for the Ministry. The proposal was approved, according to the LRA.
The cars are meant for use in trade-related tasks in coordination with Customs, according to LRA. It is the Ministry of Commerce, not the LRA, that sets the vehicle’s specs and coordinates its deployment with it.
Minister Amin Modad, however, hinted that the car in issue was bought for the government of Commerce and that no money went via his government or personal accounts instead, payments were made straight to the vendor.
Additionally, Minister Modad refuted incorrect claims that the car was bought for US$150,000 and said it was not custom-made.”Since I took office eight months ago, I’ve been using my vehicles, including an S-Class Mercedes, and I pay the fuel and driver’s salary myself,” he stated.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
