The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has refuted recent media reports suggesting it received substantial sums of money amounting to US$1.2 million or US$3 million to award contracts. The MCSS clarified that such claims are unfounded and intended to tarnish the institution’s reputation. In an exclusive interview with the Liberia News Agency on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, MCSS Director for Communications, Samuel Nyeunh, dismissed the allegations, asserting that the MCSS does not have the budgetary capacity to award contracts of that magnitude. “MCSS can only award contracts based on its approved budget. As it stands, we do not have the financial provision for such amounts,” Nyeunh emphasized. Nyeunh disclosed that the total budget of MCSS is US$4.2 million, as detailed on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s official website, adding that out of this amount, US$3.9 million is allocated for salaries, while the remaining US$300,000 is designated for goods and services to support the operation of 25 schools, including the Central Office. “There is no allocation of US$1.2 million in our budget for goods and services, let alone an amount that would allow us to award a contract of US$1.2 million or US$3 million,” he clarified. The controversy comes following allegations by Mr. Stanton Whitherspoon during the November 9th edition of Spoon Talk. Whitherspoon claimed that MCSS had awarded a contract worth millions of dollars to two companies, Ma Mus Group of Investment and Kpeinja Group of Companies Limited, for the supply of wooden chairs. However, Nyeunh dismissed these claims as baseless and stated that the MCSS operates within the confines of the law, and any procurement process would follow the stipulated regulations.” “The MCSS categorically denies receiving any funds, let alone awarding such a contract,” Nyeunh said. He challenged those making the accusations to provide evidence, including details of financial transactions or check disbursements. “We want to know: Who provided the US$1.2 or US$3 million? Which bank disbursed the funds? Where are the receipts and documentation? We are demanding proof instead of fabricated accusations,” he demanded. Commenting on the issue of the armchairs, Nyeunh clarified that the chairs are part of President Joseph Boakai’s birthday gift to MCSS students, as part of his “One Child, One Chair Policy,” noting that the chairs are made of corrugated steel, unlike the locally produced wooden chairs, which have a short lifespan. “The locally made chairs do not last more than a year due to the quality of the wood and the heavy usage by students. The corrugated steel armchairs, however, are expected to last five to ten years,” he explained. Nyeunh extended gratitude to President Boakai for his generosity, highlighting that the 22,500 armchairs will significantly alleviate the seating challenges faced by students in the MCSS system. The decision to supply the steel armchairs, according to him, followed a request from MCSS Superintendent James A.S. Momoh, citing that in a letter addressed to President Boakai on June 27, 2024, Superintendent Momoh highlighted the ongoing issue of frequent replacements of locally made chairs, which were not durable. In response, Nyeunh said, President Boakai, through the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, pledged to provide the 22,500 corrugated steel armchairs. He added that Superintendent Momoh reiterated during a press briefing on November 4, 2024, that he had been directed by the President to collaborate with Senior Political Advisor, Macdella Cooper and other stakeholders to ensure the timely supply of the armchairs. The MCSS also called on the public to disregard the unsubstantiated claims and urged media outlets to verify their information before publication. LINA