Liberia: Commerce Minister Modad Tenders Resignation Amid Luxurious Car Controversy
Monrovia – Commerce Minister Amin Modad has resigned following stories of a fallout with President Joseph Boakai.
FrontPage Africa gathered that Modad’s departure got here after President Boakai refused to satisfy him upon his return from the United Nations General Assembly.
“He came to the Ministry, met his staff and bid them farewell,” an official of the Ministry confirmed to FPA.
Minister Modad confronted widespread criticism for allegedly misusing funds from MedTech, by way of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), to buy a luxurious automobile. Activist Martin Kollie, a former supporter of the Unity Party’s “Rescue Mission,” initially raised the allegations, claiming Modad used US$150,000 from the LRA for the acquisition.
Further controversy erupted when Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill accused Modad of illegally buying wealth throughout his transient time in workplace. McGill, a former Minister of State beneath President George Weah, referred to as on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to analyze Modad, alleging that he abused his place for private acquire. McGill additionally introduced plans to current a proper request to the Senate on September 24, 2024, urging rapid motion.
McGill’s accusations included claims that Modad didn’t repay a $400,000 debt whereas serving on the board of the previous First International Bank (now SIB), contributing to the financial institution’s collapse. He additionally questioned Modad’s acquisition of a luxurious yacht, evaluating its worth to at least one owned by former President William Tubman.
In response, Minister Modad issued a strongly worded assertion denying all allegations and highlighting McGill’s personal controversial previous, together with his inclusion on a U.S. sanctions listing for alleged corruption and human rights violations.
The Liberia Revenue Authority additionally responded to the allegations, clarifying that it had not bought a automobile price US$150,000 for Minister Modad. According to the LRA, in May 2024, the Ministry of Commerce had requested US$96,000 from the Customs Capacity Building Fund beneath a Destination Inspection (DI) Contract with MedTech Scientific Limited (MTS) to help trade-related actions. The LRA confirmed that the funds, beforehand managed by MedTech, had been transferred to a brand new escrow account in July 2024. The LRA additional emphasised that the Ministry of Commerce was solely answerable for automobile procurement and deployment.
