The Executive Protection Service (EPS) has broken its silence following public scrutiny over the recent acquisition of two high-end security vehicles for President Joseph Boakai, insisting that the purchase was necessary for the safety of Liberia’s leader.
The vehicles, reportedly ordered in March 2024 shortly after Boakai’s inauguration, only arrived in the country in recent weeks. EPS Director Sam Gaye, in a firm response to critics, stated: “The EPS is utterly unapologetic about the purchase of Special Purpose Vehicles for this President and all future Presidents.” He emphasized that such measures are standard protocol for protecting the nation’s highest officeholders.
Despite the new acquisitions, reports indicate that President Boakai has been relying on the same armored vehicle used by his predecessor, former President George Weah, during his administration and throughout the 2023 election campaign. Sources reveal that one of the two new vehicles was left for Boakai’s use, while the other was allegedly taken by Weah upon leaving office.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that efforts to retrieve the second vehicle from Weah have been unsuccessful. The former president reportedly claims the luxury vehicle is his personal property and not a government asset. This has fueled public frustration, with many questioning why state resources meant for presidential security remain in private hands.
While some citizens acknowledge the necessity of secure transportation for Liberia’s leaders, others argue that the delayed arrival of the vehicles, and the unresolved dispute over the one taken by Weah, reflect poorly on governance and accountability.
“If these vehicles were bought with taxpayer money, they belong to the Liberian people, not to any individual,” said Emmanuel Johnson, a civil society activist. “The government must clarify why this hasn’t been resolved.”
The EPS maintains that its priority is ensuring the president’s safety, but the lingering issue has added to broader concerns about transparency and the use of state resources in Liberia’s political transition.
