Monrovia — The departure of Boima Kamara, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development, has been shrouded in complexity. While Minister Kamara’s health has been cited as the primary reason for his exit, sources suggest his resignation is also tied to his opposition to the controversial yellow machine deal.
Sources reveal that top officials in President Boakai’s administration are split over the deal, with Kamara among those expressing dissatisfaction. The disagreement is not about the procurement of the machines themselves, but rather about the approach taken by some officials, including Minister of State without Portfolio Mamaka Bility. The dissent became apparent when Kamara and other officials refused to participate in the parade of the machines from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Barclay Training Center.
On Saturday, Minister Bility independently delivered the first batch of earth-moving equipment, including yellow machines and trucks, from the port to the military barracks. Donning all yellow and riding in an open-top SUV, Bility announced that these machines were the initial consignment of the 285 units promised during President Boakai’s maiden cabinet retreat.
Contrary to media reports, a high-ranking source within President Boakai’s inner circle clarified that the president did not request Kamara’s resignation. Instead, the minister asked to step down due to his deteriorating health, which he claimed hindered his ability to perform his duties effectively. The remaining issue is negotiating Kamara’s exit package, which could involve either financial compensation or a less demanding role.
There are speculations that Kamara has been offered a non-executive governor position at the Central Bank of Liberia, although it is uncertain whether he will accept this role, given his previous high-ranking position at the bank.
In terms of potential successors, President Boakai faces a decision between his financial advisor, Molley Kamara, and former Minister Augustine Ngafuan. Ngafuan, who currently serves as the African Development Bank Country Manager for Uganda, has shown interest in the position. However, senior Unity Party officials oppose his appointment due to his previous criticism of President Boakai’s candidacy, where he claimed Boakai was too old to serve as president.
Molley Kamara, considered the frontrunner for the role, is a Wharton Business School graduate but lacks public experience in finance or managing a financial or economic entity. The new finance minister will be tasked with spearheading the economic revival promised during the Unity Party’s presidential campaign.
