The recent arrival of buses purportedly destined for Liberia has sparked intense controversy and scrutiny over the procurement process and ownership origins of these vehicles.
The controversy escalated after a Ghanaian journalist highlighted concerns during a televised talk show, questioning the rebranding and transfer of buses allegedly owned by the Ghanaian government to Liberia.
In his broadcast, the journalist aired footage showing the buses undergoing rebranding to feature logos of the National Transit Authority of Liberia (NTA).
This revelation immediately raised legal and procurement integrity concerns regarding the transaction.
Initially, reports indicated that two of the buses had been in Liberia for testing purposes and were subsequently deemed roadworthy for operation within the country.
However, the situation took a turn when President Joseph Boakai officially received the first two buses today from a Brazilian manufacturer, Marcopolo, in Ghana.
This event, held at the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill on June 24, 2024, marked the commencement of a broader initiative aimed at addressing Liberia’s acute transportation challenges.
President Boakai personally led an inspection team that included key advisors and government officials to assess the buses’ condition.
Political Advisor McDella Cooper confirmed that the buses met required standards and expressed the President’s satisfaction with their quality.
The President’s administration emphasized that this delivery is part of a larger consignment of 300 buses expected to arrive soon from Ghana.
The introduction of these buses comes at a critical time when the Liberia National Transit Authority (NTA) is grappling with severe shortages, significantly impacting public transportation services.
Students of the University of Liberia have particularly faced difficulties commuting to and from their campuses due to inadequate transport options.
In response to mounting public scrutiny and controversy, the Liberian government aims to enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure and alleviate the prevailing challenges in the sector.
Officials have assured the public of their commitment to transparency and efficiency in implementing this transportation initiative.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and the public await further details regarding the procurement and deployment of these buses, which are poised to play a crucial role in improving Liberia’s public transport network.
