The Boakai administration is under intense scrutiny after the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) denied any involvement in the controversial $22 million deal to procure 285 pieces of heavy-duty equipment, widely referred to as “Yellow Machines.”
The deal, intended to support infrastructure development, has drawn sharp criticism from transparency advocates and citizens alike, with many questioning the legality and oversight of the procurement process. In a surprising move, the PPCC issued a public statement clarifying that it had no role in reviewing or approving the transaction, raising serious concerns about due process and accountability.
The revelation has sparked comparisons to past scandals, including the controversial ETON and EBOMAF deals under previous administrations, which were plagued by allegations of corruption and lack of transparency. Critics argue that the Boakai government, which came to power on promises of good governance and reform, now risks eroding public trust if it fails to provide clear answers.
“The PPCC’s statement is alarming,” said Aaron Weah, a civil society activist. “If the government bypassed procurement laws, then this deal is illegal. The public deserves to know who authorized this, who the suppliers are, and why due process was ignored.”
President Joseph Boakai, who campaigned on a platform of transparency and accountability, now faces mounting pressure to disclose the full details of the agreement. Opposition figures and watchdog groups are demanding:
- Full disclosure of the contract terms
- Evidence of competitive bidding (if any)
- Clarification on why the PPCC was excluded from the process
Without clear answers, skepticism is growing. “This is déjà vu,” said Martin Kollie, a political commentator. “Every new government promises change, but we keep seeing the same lack of transparency. If this deal is legitimate, why the secrecy?”
As public outrage builds, the Boakai administration must act swiftly to address the concerns or risk a major credibility crisis. The government has yet to issue an official response, but analysts say anything short of full transparency could further damage its reputation.
For now, Liberians are left wondering: Was this deal a genuine effort to boost infrastructure, or another example of questionable dealings behind closed doors?
Key Questions Still Unanswered:
- Who are the suppliers of the equipment?
- Was an open tender process followed, or was this a single-source contract?
- Why did the PPCC not review the deal?
- What safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of funds?
