By Godgift Harris
The Ministry of Information has mounted a robust defense of the government’s controversial “yellow machines” procurement program, as questions intensify over transparency, shipping logistics, and the true condition of the earth-moving equipment in the country.
At the Ministry’s regular press briefing on Thursday, February 26, 2026,
Deputy Minister for Public Affairs, Daniel O. Sando, dismissed growing public speculation that some of the machines being shipped to Liberia may not be new.
Sando’s remark comes amid social media claims and circulating images showing “used heavy-duty equipment” aboard the vessel transporting the consignment.
Sando insisted that every unit procured by the government whether 105 or 305 pieces is brand new and manufactured specifically for the country’s development agenda.
According to him, the first batch of equipment is currently en route aboard a commercial vessel.
However, concerns remain.
The government confirmed it did not charter a private vessel exclusively for the shipment.
Instead, the machines are being transported on a commercial ship carrying goods for private individuals and businesses.
While Sando acknowledged that used machinery may be visible on board, he maintained that those items are not part of the government’s consignment.
“Every single piece of equipment procured by the government is brand new,” he stated firmly, urging citizens not to be misled by “negative narratives.”
Yet critics argue that the lack of publicly released procurement documents, inspection certifications, and supplier details has fueled unnecessary suspicion.
Transparency advocates say that beyond verbal assurances, Liberians deserve documented proof including purchase agreements, serial numbers, and independent verification reports to substantiate claims that the machines are new and not refurbished units.
The yellow machines initiative is a key pillar of the government’s infrastructure push, aimed at rehabilitating roads and improving connectivity across the country.
But as anticipation builds, so too does public scrutiny over how the procurement process was handled and whether value for money was guaranteed.
Political observers note that the administration’s credibility on the matter will depend heavily on its willingness to provide verifiable documentation once the machines arrive.
Campus performance ban Sparks Cultural Debate
meanwhile, in a separate but equally contentious development, popular Liberian artist Christopher The Change has reportedly been banned from performing on a school campus following a recent appearance.
Authorities have yet to publicly disclose the full reasons behind the restriction, a silence that has only intensified debate among students and fans.
The absence of a formal explanation has raised questions about institutional transparency and whether the decision was based on policy violations, content concerns, or administrative discretion.
Known for his socially conscious lyrics and energetic stage presence, Christopher the Change remains one of Liberia’s most influential contemporary musicians.
The reported ban has triggered broader conversations about the boundaries between artistic expression and academic regulations.
Some education stakeholders argue that schools must maintain strict standards governing performances and guest appearances, especially where minors are involved.
Others contend that the lack of clear communication from school authorities risks creating speculation and undermining trust.
As both controversies unfold the shipment of the yellow machines and the unexplained campus ban the government faces mounting pressure to move beyond assurances and provide concrete, documented clarity.
For now, officials continue to call for calm and public trust, but in a climate increasingly shaped by demand for accountability, words alone may no longer suffice.