By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Email: alphansokalama@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberian Senate has ignited a firestorm of controversy following its recent endorsement of an ad-hoc committee report that demands a complete overhaul of the MedTech Scientific Dubai Limited contract. The deal, valued at over US$10 million, has come under scrutiny for allegedly bypassing proper procurement procedures, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the government.
The Senate’s decision came after a motion by Senator Albert Chie, and it follows the committee’s alarming findings that the contract did not adhere to the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA). Formed in early 2024 by Senate Pro-tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, the committee, led by Senator Amara Konneh, was tasked with investigating the Destination Inspection (DI) services provided by MedTech, among other agreements.
The report outlines numerous violations, including the absence of a required concession committee and the questionable domestic ownership of MedTech Scientific Liberia, which is entirely owned by a Ghanaian national. Critics argue this lack of local investment undermines the integrity of the deal and raises red flags about foreign exploitation of Liberia’s resources.
Committee findings revealed a troubling lack of financial transparency. There was no evidence of payments into the Government of Liberia’s Transitory Account, a critical component of the agreement, and the Senate has called for immediate financial reconciliations and audits. The implications are severe: if the deal is found to be fundamentally flawed, it could trigger a costly cancellation and potential arbitration.
Senator Konneh emphasized that the review is not merely procedural; it aims to restore trust in Liberia’s governance structures and safeguard the nation’s reputation for foreign investment. “We must ensure that our laws are followed and that companies operating in Liberia are held accountable,” he stated during the plenary session.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and constituents. Supporters of the MedTech deal argue that it is essential for economic growth and employment, while opponents accuse the government of prioritizing foreign interests over local welfare. Activists have already mobilized, demanding increased scrutiny of foreign contracts and a commitment to local ownership in future agreements.
As the Senate prepares to act on the committee’s recommendations, the potential fallout from the MedTech contract could reshape Liberia’s economic landscape and redefine the standards for procurement in the country. The nation waits with bated breath to see if this controversy will lead to much-needed reform or further entrench corruption in a fragile system.
