By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – A special Senate Ad-Hoc Committee setup to look into MedTech contract has unveiled troubling findings regarding the controversial Destination Inspection (DI) services contract between the Government of Liberia and MedTech Scientific Limited. This extensive investigation, which began earlier this year, scrutinized the contract’s compliance with Liberian laws, financial management, and overall performance.
Investigation Background
Initially tasked with reviewing two crucial contracts impacting Liberia’s economy—the DI services by MedTech and Container Tracking Notes (CTN) services by Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions—the committee quickly zeroed in on the DI contract due to mounting concerns over transparency and legality.
Key Findings: Legal Violations and Misrepresentation
The committee’s investigation revealed glaring violations of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA). Notably, there was a striking absence of a concession committee and necessary certification documentation, raising severe questions about the legitimacy of the contract award process. Furthermore, alarming allegations surfaced that MedTech misled the bid evaluation panel regarding its operational capabilities, undermining the integrity of the procurement process.
Contractual Irregularities and Financial Mismanagement
Signed on July 1, 2021, the DI contract established a revenue-sharing model of 20% for the Government and 80% for MedTech. However, the National Legislature had not ratified this contract—an essential step for any deal exceeding $10 million—calling its validity into question. The committee also uncovered significant financial mismanagement, with MedTech failing to adequately manage the Transitory Account designated for payments, raising concerns over potential misappropriation of funds.
Ownership and Transparency Issues
Compounding the situation, the investigation revealed a lack of clarity regarding MedTech’s ownership structure, suggesting it is predominantly foreign-owned, which complicates compliance with local laws. Attempts to gather information from key individuals, including MedTech’s owner, Mr. Ramsi Abou-Hassan, were met with silence, further obstructing the investigation.
Recommendations and Next Steps
In response to its findings, the committee has urged the Government of Liberia to consider renegotiating or canceling the contract due to its numerous legal violations. They also emphasized the need for immediate recovery of mismanaged government funds and called for a comprehensive audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to verify revenue transactions related to the contract.
To prevent future issues, the committee highlighted the importance of bolstering procurement oversight mechanisms, ensuring strict adherence to the PPCA, and clarifying guidelines for contract amendments and legislative approvals.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The revelations from the Senate committee’s report highlight significant vulnerabilities within Liberia’s procurement processes and contract management. As the government contemplates the necessary actions to address these deficiencies, it faces the urgent task of restoring public trust and ensuring accountability in its contractual agreements. The path forward requires decisive action to safeguard Liberia’s economic integrity and protect its citizens’ interests.
