Monrovia, Liberia — The advocacy group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has issued a strong warning over the reported acquisition of earth-moving equipment, popularly referred to as “yellow machines”, cautioning that any purchases made outside Liberia’s legal procurement framework risk fueling fraud, corruption, and public distrust.
While acknowledging that such equipment could significantly improve Liberia’s road infrastructure if properly acquired, STAND said emerging reports suggest the transactions may have bypassed established procurement procedures and regulatory oversight. The organization described these allegations as deeply troubling and potentially unlawful.
STAND directed its warning to the government led by Joseph Boakai, stressing that all acquisitions and deployment of public assets must strictly adhere to Liberia’s procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and internationally accepted best practices.
According to the group, any purchase conducted without transparency, competitive bidding, or legislative approval would be illegal and ultra vires, exposing public officials involved to personal and legal liability. STAND cautioned that what should have been a transformative investment in national infrastructure could instead become a conduit for abuse and corruption.
The organization further criticized what it described as secrecy surrounding the cost of the machines, financing arrangements, operational responsibility, and maintenance plans. Such opacity, STAND argued, reflects a system designed to conceal questionable dealings rather than deliver sustainable development.
“Infrastructure development cannot be legitimized through photo opportunities or staged ceremonies while the rule of law is disregarded,” the statement asserted. STAND maintained that without full transparency, lawful authorization, and accountable oversight, the machines will not represent progress but will instead stand as symbols of what it termed “Yellow Fraud.”
The statement was signed by Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of STAND, who reiterated the group’s call for immediate disclosure and compliance to restore public confidence in government-led infrastructure initiatives.
