US$98K Saga Shadows Modad Comeback

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

MONROVIA, Liberia, October 2, 2026 — A fresh call for former Commerce and Industry Minister Amin Modad to return to the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration has revived controversy surrounding his 2024 resignation, particularly the procurement of an official government vehicle reportedly costing about US$98,000.

The renewed debate follows an appeal by Liberian public relations professional and Spoon Network panelist Al-Hussein Youjay Fadiga, who is urging President Boakai to consider bringing Modad back into government nearly two years after his departure.

Speaking on Spoon Talk, Fadiga defended Modad’s decision to resign, describing it as an act of political accountability.

“His resignation demonstrated that he won a political accountability. I think he should be applauded,” Fadiga said.

Fadiga, who also serves as a Public Engagement Specialist and Consultant at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), argued that Modad, a former chairman of the ruling Unity Party, has continued to make sacrifices in the interest of Liberia.

But his call for Modad’s return has placed the circumstances surrounding the former minister’s exit back under public scrutiny, particularly the controversial vehicle procurement that dominated debate at the time.

President Boakai accepted Modad’s resignation on October 10, 2024, following mounting criticism over the purchase of the vehicle for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

In announcing the resignation, the Executive Mansion said the vehicle procurement had significantly exceeded the government’s estimated cost for ministerial transportation. President Boakai said the decision to make such a purchase reflected poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity to Liberia’s economic conditions.

The vehicle was widely reported to have cost approximately US$98,000, while the 2024 National Budget placed a US$45,000 ceiling on government vehicle purchases, with specified exceptions.

The controversy subsequently drew the attention of the Liberian Senate, where lawmakers raised questions about the procurement and the role of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).

Modad, however, consistently denied personally benefiting from the transaction.

In his resignation letter, he maintained that he had provided documentation demonstrating that there was no malfeasance, but said the controversy was damaging his integrity and distracting attention from the government’s broader agenda.

In a subsequent media interview, Modad provided further details, saying the vehicle was purchased for official government use and not for his personal benefit.

He said the Commerce Ministry had requested assistance from the LRA for operational vehicles and obtained quotations from several dealers before selecting the vehicle. According to Modad, no money was paid to him or passed through the Ministry of Commerce, with the LRA dealing directly with the vendor.

Modad also disputed claims that he deliberately violated the US$45,000 vehicle ceiling, arguing that the procurement process began before the budgetary restriction came into effect.

He said the vehicle was intended primarily for official travel to Liberia’s borders and other difficult-to-access areas as part of the Ministry’s trade and commerce responsibilities.

Despite defending the procurement process, Modad acknowledged that, considering the public reaction, he would not make the same decision again.

“In hindsight, would I have bought a car for US$98,000? No, I wouldn’t,” Modad said during a 2025 interview.

The controversy also extended beyond the price of the vehicle.

The Senate raised questions about whether the LRA had the legal authority to facilitate such a procurement and sought an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transaction involving Modad and LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah.

The LRA, meanwhile, rejected separate allegations linked to Modad, including claims involving a duty-free motor vessel and alleged bribery. The revenue authority maintained that the required duties on the vessel had been paid and denied allegations of bribery.

Modad’s departure also generated political speculation, including reports suggesting tensions had developed between him and President Boakai.

The former minister subsequently rejected claims that the President forced him from office, maintaining that Boakai never asked him to resign.

According to Modad, mounting public criticism, political pressure and the distraction surrounding the vehicle controversy ultimately influenced his decision to leave government.

Nearly two years later, Fadiga’s call for his return has reopened public discussion over Modad’s record in government and the controversy that brought his tenure as Commerce Minister to an end.