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Claim: Martin Kollie alleges that President Boakai spent US$1.8M on celebrations when over 25,000 students from the University of Liberia and MVTC stayed out of school while lecturers were on a go-slow strike.
Verdict: False. DUBAWA’s investigation into the 2024 National Budget found no evidence supporting Martin Kollie’s claim. The approved budget allocates only $200,000 for celebrations, not $1.8 million, as alleged.
Full Text
As the 2024 fiscal year draws closer, the Government of Liberia reportedly struggles to meet certain budgetary commitments, particularly for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions like the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC).
This situation has led to protests and go-slow actions by lecturers and students, urging the Boakai administration to address the issue.
Amid these events, Martin Kollie accused the government of allocating only $4,000 to MVTC while supposedly allotting $1.8 million to celebrations in the President’s budget.
In his Facebook post, Kollie maintained that this amount was included in the approved budget under the President’s expenditures. Given his 89,000 followers, his post reached a significant audience.
Verification
DUBAWA analysed the approved 2024 National Budget and the subsequent Recast Budget to verify the claim.
Budget Review
The approved budget allocates $200,000 for celebrations under the President’s expenses, not $1.8 million as Martin alleged. This amount is directly reflected on Page 11 of the National Budget under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs expenditures. The exact line item for the money is 222101 Celebrations, Commemorations, and State Visit.
The Recast Budget for 2024 also contains no evidence of a $1.8 million allocation.
Claimant’s Response
When contacted, Martin Kollie defended his claim and advised DUBAWA to consult the budget. However, the findings did not align with his assertions.
Government’s Silence
Attempts to seek clarity from Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana and the Information Minister were unsuccessful, as neither responded to inquiries.
Conclusion
While it is true that MVTC faces funding challenges, the claim that $1.8 million is allocated for celebrations in the President’s budget is inaccurate. The approved budget only earmarks $200,000 for celebrations, significantly less than the alleged amount. This discrepancy undermines Martin Kollie’s assertion.
