—As UP Chairman, Sen. Snow Draw Redline
IPNEWS: It same as the wound of Commerce and Industry Minister, Amin Modad is deepening day after day. An investigation conducted by the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper has uncovered what is known as a โserious discontentโ among partisans of the Unity Party for embattled former chairman, Amin Modad.
At a local restaurant, IPNEWS privilege to content of the conversation, reveals how many particularly current members of the UP leadership, are opting for the dismissal of Hon. Amin Modad.
Late Monday, September 23, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), confirmed roaming speculations that Hon. Modad classic 4×4 was a subject of kickback from a private firm that had been the subject of discontent by both the Legislature and ordinary Liberians due its high charges at the Free Pot of Monrovia.
The LRA clarification which many says deepened the speculations, states that it did not purchased a vehicle valued at US$150,000, as reported, however, it approved a request from Hon. Amin Modad early May 2024 for US$96,000.00 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund under the Destination Inspection (DI) Contract held with MEDTECH Scientific Limited (MTS) for the purchase of vehicles to support the MOCI.
“These vehicles are intended for trade-related activities in collaboration with Customs. The specifications of the vehicles, as well as their deployment within MOCI, are determined by the
MOCI, not the LRA.”
“It is important to note that in accordance with Section 1822 of the Liberia Revenue Code as
amended (the Code), the LRA is authorized to collect customs service fee (which is separate from custom duty) for the performance of custom services (handling of documents, cargo inspection, etc.) and the hiring of any third-party inspection service provider. This is the basis for the DI contract with MEDTECH, under which LRA is entitled to 20% share of the fees
collected.” The LRA release read.
The statement furthermore notes that upon the inception of the new LRA administration in March 2024, the LRAโs share under the DI Contract was held and managed by MEDTECH based on a previous arrangement between the former LRAโs leadership and MEDTECH. The request from the Ministry of Commerce for logistical support and LRAโs subsequent approval were done at the time this fund was still held and managed by MEDTECH.
LRA: “It is further important to note that the Supreme Court placed a stay order on MEDTECH account in July2023and lifted it in June 2024. Immediately thereafter, the LRA formally requested the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP),as required by the Public Financial Management (PFM)Act, to open an escrow account for depositing this 20% share which at the time had accumulated to US$3,381,035.99.”
“The escrow account was opened on July 8, 2024, at Ecobank, and the funds were transferred from MEDTECH to the new account on July 11, 2024.Since then, the LRA’s share has been deposited into the escrow account monthly. As of August31, 2024, the balance in the account stood at US$3,457,718.34.”
Additionally, the LRA stated that the allocation of resources from the Customs Capacity Building Fund to the MOCI has been a standard practice for over eighteen years, spanning multiple customs inspection service contracts. This allocation plays a critical role in facilitating trade, where MOCI serves as the lead government agency for trade policy. The LRA remains committed to this long-standing collaboration in a transparent and accountable manner as it works to increase revenue collection to billions.
Furthermore, the statement reveals that over the years, the LRA has similarly provided support to various government agencies that are involved with revenue mobilization, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, Mines and Energy, Labor, as well as the Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Fire Service, and the National Legislature, among others. These collaborations have, in part, contributed to revenue increase of over US$53 million as of August 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
Regarding the allegation that the LRA granted Minister Amin Modad duty-free clearance for a yacht or boat, the LRA confirms that no such duty-free clearance occurred. Our records show
that in July2024, Minister Modad cleared a “motor vessel” (boat) and paid the required duties.
“Concerning allegations of bribery, the LRA firmly denies any involvement with bribes from MEDTECHor any other business or individual.”
“While the LRA welcomes public scrutiny to promote transparency and accountability, we encourage media outlets to verify information before publication to prevent the spread of
misinformation and disinformation that has the propensity to undermine revenue collection.”
“The LRA remains committed to collecting lawful revenue for the Government and people of
Liberia in a professional and transparent manner.” The LRA release concludes.
In a swift reaction by Unity Partyโs chairman, Rev. Luther Tarpeh, stated that the party would not condom corruption and urged the embattled Commerce Minister to go further in clearing himself from the corruption allegation due to revelation by the LRA of his request for the Destination Inspection Program at the Freeport.
Speaking at a Press Conference Tuesday, September 24, UP National Chairman Luther Tarpeh said while the Party is not accusing Minister Modad of corruption neither is it defending him, he should come out with all the relevant documents to exonerate himself.
Rev. Tarpeh reminded Minister Modad and all Government officials that the Unity Party will not stand with anyone who is found guilty of corruption.
Immediately following Rev. Tarpehโs perspectives of the Amin Modad vehicle controversy, Bomi County Senator, Edwin Melvin Snowe, vowed to mount Legislative pressure on Minister Modad by requesting President Jospeh Boakai to take administrative action against the embattled Commerce Minister.
Senator Snowe claimed that President Joseph Boakai failed to take actions against the Commence Minister and LRA Commissioner General will indicate that he is not in total control of the state.
Speaking when he appeared on a local radio talk show, Senator Snowe said officials of the UP-government are doing exactly what they used to campaign against the CDC-led government.
Meanwhile, Senator Snowe has expressed disappointment in the Commence Minister and LRA Commissioner General, alleging that they are at the center of dividing funds generated at Med-tech.
