—-Warns against Maliciousness and Hatred
IPNEWS: In 2024, the “luxury jeep saga” ensued surrounding former Minister of Commerce and Industry Amin Modad’s acquisition of a luxury SUV (specifically a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban) for his official use, which ultimately led to his resignation.
Modad approved the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, valued at approximately US$96,000 (though some initial reports claimed up to $150,000). This price exceeded the government’s standard vehicle cost limit and was considered excessive given Liberia’s economic challenges.
The funds for the vehicle came from the Customs Capacity Building Fund under a Destination Inspection (DI) contract with MedTech Scientific Limited (a private company) through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). This arrangement drew heavy criticism as MedTech was already under investigation by the Liberian Senate for various allegations, and critics argued it represented a conflict of interest or potential kickback.
Modad defended the purchase, stating it was for official use, not personal gain, and that similar arrangements with BIVAC had been a tradition in the past. He also noted that he had been using his personal luxury vehicle (an S-Class Mercedes) since taking office and had declared his substantial personal assets upon appointment.
The purchase sparked significant public outcry and political pressure. Critics, including activist Martin Kollie and Senator Nathaniel McGill, accused Modad of poor judgment and misuse of public funds.
President Joseph Boakai, who had campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, was reportedly displeased with the controversy and refused to meet with Modad after returning from the UN General Assembly. Following this, Modad resigned from his post in October 2024. President Boakai then ordered the vehicle to be transferred to the General Services Agency (GSA) for use by VIP guests of the government. An investigation by the Senate Commerce Committee into the matter, including the LRA’s role, was initiated.
Even now, after a year since this saga, Former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Amin Modad, has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding his October 2024 resignation, dismissing persistent rumors of a fallout with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and insisting that his decision was motivated by threats to his family and a desire to uphold integrity in public service.
In a detailed reflection shared with the public, Modad said his intention was to provide clarity amid what he described as a “politicized narrative driven by sensationalism, rumors, and deliberate misinformation.”
No Fallout With the President
Modad emphasized that contrary to widespread speculation, he maintains a strong and respectful relationship with President Boakai.
“There has been no fallout between the President and myself. There has been no loss of confidence or respect,” Modad wrote.
He said the President never requested his resignation and that he stepped down voluntarily.
Threats to Family and Escalating Falsehoods Triggered Resignation
According to Modad, his resignation stemmed from escalating lies surrounding the procurement of a ministry vehicle — lies he says placed his family in danger.
He recounted that despite using his personal vehicle, valued at over US $100,000, for eight months while serving, false claims began circulating that he had received a U.S.-style presidential bulletproof luxury vehicle. The rumor quickly intensified, leading to threats, extortion attempts, and public anger.
The breaking point, he said, came when his wife’s SUV was attacked while leaving their children’s school.
“I believed then that by resigning, the distractions, malicious lies, and attacks would subside, allowing for proper investigations that would vindicate us,” he said.
Cleared by Audits and Investigations
Following his resignation, Modad says he immediately submitted himself to scrutiny, writing to the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), redeclaring his assets, and cooperating with every legal and administrative procedure.
A Senate hearing, he said, also reviewed the matter. According to Modad, no acts of corruption or malfeasance were found.
He further disclosed that all documentation — from the Ministry’s request to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), to multiple vendor quotations, to payment receipts — was forwarded to the President’s office.
The LRA, which made the direct payment to the vehicle vendor, also issued a statement clarifying the purchase and affirming that no funds passed through the Ministry or through Modad personally.
“If anyone knows President Boakai well, you will know that if there was any act of corruption, we would have experienced the consequences,” Modad added.
Vehicle Procured Before Budget Cap; Attempt Made to Exchange It
Modad said the vehicle in question was procured months before the national budget law capping government vehicles at US $45,000 was enacted.
Even after the law took effect, he said the Ministry attempted to return the vehicle and exchange it for two cheaper ones, but the financial loss made the option impractical.
Still a Committed Unity Partisan
Modad reaffirmed his loyalty to the Unity Party and his personal bond with President Boakai, saying their relationship goes “far beyond politics and government job.”
“It would take far more than a couple of earthquakes or ignorant statements to destroy,” he wrote.
Despite leaving government, he says he continues to provide guidance and technical expertise to the President and national decision-makers.
Focus Remains on Liberia’s Progress
Modad ended his message by thanking supporters and reiterating his commitment to national development.
As Minister, he led several reforms in the rice sector, promoted fair market practices, and spearheaded efforts to strengthen Liberia’s position under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — reforms he says required making tough decisions that inevitably created internal and external enemies.
He stressed that his departure was not the end of his service but a necessary step to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability.
