The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications says it has resolved to return to the vendor three buses which it purchased under questionable circumstances, as was reported by a local newspaper.
VERITY Newspaper, in its Wednesday, February 5, 2025 edition, published a banner headline story titled: “Corruption Clouds MOPT As GSA Rejects Questionable US$28.5K Purchases.”
The publication said that the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah, was at the center of a corruption scandal that had drawn criticism from employees.
According to the report, Minister Kromah and key collaborators at the Ministry, including Deputy Minister for Administration Hon. Augustine S. Karpeh, Procurement Director Mr. Patrick Paye-Tee, and Financial Comptroller Mr. Francis Imode, recently procured three (3) substandard buses for $28,500 each, sparking accusations of gross negligence and fraud.
The paper reported that the scandal came to light after the General Services Agency (GSA), headed by Director General Hon. Galakpai W. Kortimai, refused to approve the purchase, and informed Minister Kromah that the buses failed to meet the required standards for transporting civil servants.
The news outlet quoted a letter from the GAS as saying, “We write to formally inform you that we are unable to approve the recently procured buses. They do not meet the required standards, features, and comfort levels necessary for effectively transporting civil servants.”
“The rejection by the GSA has left Minister Kromah and his deputies scrambling to manage the fallout. Sources close to the Ministry disclosed that the substandard buses were returned to the vendor, and negotiations are underway to procure higher-quality replacements. However, the procurement process has exposed a deeper issue: the alleged misappropriation of funds during the initial transaction. Reports suggest that the Ministry is working to reimburse the excess funds incrementally, raising questions about the integrity of its financial practices,” the publication said.
It went further to say that the ministry’s decision to procure substandard buses sparked allegations of corruption, with employees describing the move as a calculated attempt to defraud the government. “This is a betrayal of trust,” stated an anonymous employee. “The workers deserve better, and this scandal reflects the insincerity of those entrusted with managing public resources.”
The controversy, the story said, had further strained relations between Minister Kromah and the Ministry’s employees. Initially enthusiastic about the prospect of improved transportation, employees now express disappointment and anger, accusing the Ministry of deliberately shortchanging them. The display of the rejected buses at the Ministry’s premises has only deepened their frustration, with workers alleging that Minister Kromah has failed to prioritize their welfare.
But addressing the VERITY news publication in a release later on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications said that the General Services Agency (GSA) did not reject its initial procurement request; rather, it recommended that the ministry considers obtaining a better standard of buses.
The release said that for years, the ministry had faced significant challenges in providing adequate transportation for its employees, and operated with a limited number of vehicles, often not exceeding three buses; this impeded its ability to ensure safe and reliable transportation for dedicated staff.
“Under the current administration and the leadership of Minister Sekou Kromah, we have taken proactive measures to address this long standing issue. For the first time in our history, we have invested in the procurement of three new buses specifically for our employees. This decision reflects our commitment to improving working conditions and providing our staff with the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively,” the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications release said.
In response to the feedback from the GSA, the release said that Minister Kromah and his team have taken immediate and decisive action by officially returning the three buses to the dealer, Prestige/Alliance Motors, for replacement, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that their employees have access to vehicles that meet appropriate safety and comfort standards.
The Release: “It is essential to emphasize that the Ministry is dedicated to adhering to the principles of integrity and transparency in all procurement processes. We are guided by the Public Procurement and Concessions Act of Liberia, which mandates that all government procurements must be conducted with fairness, transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the act outlines clear procedures for procurement, including requirements for competitive bidding and evaluation of suppliers, ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly.”
The ministry said the decision to procure three buses for the y was made after careful consideration of the substantial number of employees they serve, and the leadership recognized the urgent need for improved transportation options, as many employees rely on these vehicles for their daily commutes.
“By investing in three new buses, the Ministry aimed to enhance the working conditions of their staff and demonstrate our commitment to their welfare. However, we assure the citizens of Liberia that the Ministry is fully committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all our dealings,’ the release said.
In light of the recent events, the Ministry said it is taking additional steps to enhance transparency in operations and committed to providing regular updates to the public regarding the status of the bus procurement process and any actions taken in response to the GSA’s recommendations, while ensuring that all future procurement activities are conducted in strict compliance with the Public Procurement and Concessions Act and other relevant laws.
