By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – April 5, 2025 – A firestorm of public debate has erupted in Liberia following the disclosure of a recent high-end Lexus vehicle acquisition for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. While the Executive Mansion defends the purchase as necessary for security and due to the deteriorated state of the presidential fleet inherited from the previous administration, the move has ignited fierce criticism from opposition figures and the public alike.
During a press briefing held at the Executive Mansion on Friday, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana addressed the controversy, stating that the luxury vehicle was procured to remedy the poor condition of transportation assets left by the administration of former President George Weah.
Fofana revealed that the Boakai administration inherited a fleet of 40 vehicles, many of which were in a state of disrepair. She cited a specific incident shortly after the 2024 National County Sports Meet, during an official trip to Grand Cape Mount County, where a presidential vehicle broke down. Fofana described the event as both embarrassing and a significant breach of security.
“The Executive Protection Service (EPS), the entity responsible for the President’s safety and security, strongly recommended the immediate procurement of a new and reliable vehicle,” Fofana explained, emphasizing the need to ensure the President’s protection and facilitate ease of travel for official duties.
While confirming that the vehicle acquisition followed national security protocols, Fofana refrained from disclosing the exact cost, stating only that “all procedures related to the purchase were properly followed.”
However, this justification has done little to quell the growing wave of public anger. Opposition politicians and a significant portion of the citizenry have voiced sharp criticism, questioning the prudence of what some allege to be a $1.2 million expenditure (though this figure remains unconfirmed) on a single vehicle, particularly given Liberia’s current economic challenges.
“This purchase demonstrates a shocking disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Liberians grappling with rising poverty, high unemployment, and struggling public services,” asserted a prominent opposition leader, echoing the sentiments of widespread public frustration.
Across the nation, both on the streets and various social media platforms, Liberians have condemned what they perceive as an act of government extravagance. Many argue that such a lavish purchase undermines the Boakai administration’s stated commitment to austerity and fiscal accountability.
Amidst the swirling controversy surrounding the presidential vehicle, the Executive Mansion also used Friday’s press briefing to address other pressing national issues.
Press Secretary Fofana conveyed President Boakai’s deep concern regarding the recent power outages at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), Liberia’s primary international gateway. She announced the formation of a committee tasked with thoroughly investigating the root causes of these disruptions, stating that the President awaits their findings before implementing corrective measures.
Regarding the long-anticipated arrival of the “yellow machines” – a fleet of crucial road construction and maintenance equipment – Fofana indicated that final discussions are nearing completion and that further updates would be provided to the public shortly.
Additionally, she announced the postponement of the President’s scheduled county tour due to unforeseen internal logistical challenges, assuring that a revised itinerary would be released shortly.
As criticism intensifies and public pressure mounts, the Boakai administration finds itself at a crucial juncture. The calls for greater transparency, accountability in government spending, and a commitment to fiscal prudence are growing louder, presenting a significant challenge to the administration as it seeks to balance the demands of national leadership with the expectations of a population facing considerable economic hardship.
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