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Monrovia – Commerce Minister Amin Modad has resigned following reports of a fallout with President Joseph Boakai.
FrontPage Africa gathered that Modad’s departure came after President Boakai refused to meet him upon his return from the United Nations General Assembly.
“He came to the Ministry, met his staff and bid them farewell,” an official of the Ministry confirmed to FPA.
Minister Modad faced widespread criticism for allegedly misusing funds from MedTech, through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), to purchase a luxury vehicle. Activist Martin Kollie, a former supporter of the Unity Party’s “Rescue Mission,” initially raised the allegations, claiming Modad used US$150,000 from the LRA for the purchase.
Further controversy erupted when Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill accused Modad of illegally acquiring wealth during his brief time in office. McGill, a former Minister of State under President George Weah, called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate Modad, alleging that he abused his position for personal gain. McGill also announced plans to present a formal request to the Senate on September 24, 2024, urging immediate action.
McGill’s accusations included claims that Modad failed to repay a $400,000 debt while serving on the board of the former First International Bank (now SIB), contributing to the bank’s collapse. He also questioned Modad’s acquisition of a luxury yacht, comparing its value to one owned by former President William Tubman.
In response, Minister Modad issued a strongly worded statement denying all allegations and highlighting McGill’s own controversial past, including his inclusion on a U.S. sanctions list for alleged corruption and human rights violations.
The Liberia Revenue Authority also responded to the allegations, clarifying that it had not purchased a vehicle worth US$150,000 for Minister Modad. According to the LRA, in May 2024, the Ministry of Commerce had requested US$96,000 from the Customs Capacity Building Fund under a Destination Inspection (DI) Contract with MedTech Scientific Limited (MTS) to support trade-related activities. The LRA confirmed that the funds, previously managed by MedTech, were transferred to a new escrow account in July 2024. The LRA further emphasized that the Ministry of Commerce was solely responsible for vehicle procurement and deployment.
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