Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah, finds himself at the center of a corruption scandal that has drawn criticism from employees.
According to a damning investigation by Verity, 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 scandal came to light after the General Services Agency (GSA), headed by Director General Hon. Galakpai W. Kortimai, refused to approve the purchase. In a communication dated January 22, 2025, Kortimai informed Minister Kromah that the buses failed to meet the required standards for transporting civil servants.
“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 letter stated. The GSA emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards for government investments and urged the Ministry to address the issue transparently.
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 Ministry’s decision to procure substandard buses has 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 has 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.
According to a source, the Ministry’s efforts to revise the transaction and recover misappropriated funds face significant challenges. The source told Verity that ongoing discussions with the vendor and the General Services Agency (GSA) have raised concerns about whether the resolution process will be genuinely transparent or merely a façade to shield those involved.
This scandal’s implications extend well beyond the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, highlighting systemic weaknesses in Liberia’s procurement processes. Inadequate oversight and accountability frequently lead to the misuse of public funds. Employees who spoke with Verity are urging civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates to conduct an independent investigation. They emphasize the urgent need for stricter enforcement of procurement laws and greater transparency in government spending.
Meanwhile, Minister Kromah’s silence on the issue has fueled skepticism. “This is not just about buses; it’s about the integrity of our leaders and their commitment to serving the people,” remarked another civil servant who requested anonymity. Many view the Ministry’s actions as emblematic of a culture of impunity that undermines both the government’s credibility and employee morale.
