Brown Warns Against Yellow Machine Politics-Calls for Transparency in Equipment Use

MONROVIA – Calls to protect Liberia’s newly acquired road construction equipment from political interference reflect growing public concern about transparency and accountability in national infrastructure projects. U.S.-based Grand Gedeh native Othello Brown’s statement comes amid heightened debate over the management of the government’s “yellow machines,” viewed as critical to improving road connectivity and economic development. His warning highlights Liberia’s history of politicized development initiatives and underscores fears that poor oversight could undermine costly investments. As the government rolls out a nationwide road equipment deployment plan, public trust will depend on clear management structures, independent oversight, and commitment to national—not political—priorities. THE ANALYST reports.

A prominent son of Grand Gedeh County based in the United States, Othello Brown, has cautioned members of the Liberian Legislature and other politicians against interfering with the management, coordination, and utilization of road construction equipment recently brought into the country by the government.

Speaking Monday via mobile phone from Massachusetts, Mr. Brown, an independent politician and legal practitioner, hailed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for what he described as a significant step toward addressing Liberia’s longstanding problem of poor road connectivity.

According to Brown, the lack of reliable road networks has grossly impeded Liberia’s development and entrenched poverty for decades.

Call to Protect National Project

Mr. Brown, an independent legislative aspirant for 2029, said Liberians have long waited for practical approaches to solve deplorable road conditions that continue to hinder agriculture, trade, and security, particularly in rural areas.

He praised past administrations, including those of Samuel Kanyon Doe, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and George Manneh Weah, for efforts made to improve road connectivity.

However, he warned that the newly acquired road equipment—commonly called “yellow machines”—must be protected from political interference.

“The coming of these machines must be a blessing, not a curse,” Brown said, emphasizing that politicians must not falsely claim national projects for personal political gain.

“For too long, government projects have failed to yield intended results because politicians, especially legislators, interfered and politicized them in their quest for political glory. That practice must be avoided in managing these machines if they must deliver results,” he stressed.

Lessons from Past Development Programs

Brown recalled that millions of dollars allocated during previous administrations through the County Social Development Fund and other initiatives were mismanaged or failed due to politicization and legislative interference.

He urged President Boakai to prevent a repeat by ensuring that the Yellow Machines Board of Authority and Coordinating Committee operate with clear mandates alongside the Ministry of Public Works and other agencies.

He also called on Liberians across the political spectrum to monitor the use of the equipment and demand accountability.

“Liberians must own these machines bought with their country’s resources and lawfully demand transparency in their management,” he said.

Call to Grand Gedeh Citizens

Brown particularly urged citizens of Grand Gedeh County—one of the counties most challenged by poor road connectivity—to resist any attempts by politicians to manipulate deployment decisions for personal advantage.

“As an independent person, I belong to no political party, so my views are guided by patriotic considerations for the development and safety of Grand Gedeh and Liberia at large,” Brown stated.

Government Establishes Management Board

It can be recalled that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently announced the establishment of the Yellow Machines Board of Authority (YMBOA), appointing former Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai as Executive Chairperson of its Coordinating Committee.

The Board was created ahead of the arrival of the first batch of 285 yellow machines secured from China for road and infrastructure development.

The Board includes representatives from Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs – Chair;  Ministry of Public Works – Co-Chair; Ministry of Finance and Development Planning – Member, and Ministry of National Defense – Member

Others members are Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Information – Member, and General Services Agency.

The Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee serves as secretary to the Board.

According to the Executive Mansion, the YMBOA will oversee policies for maintenance, deployment, cost management, storage, and accountability of the machines.

Special Project Committee Established

The Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee (SPPCC), chaired by former Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai, includes Roger S.W.Y. Domah as Deputy Coordinator for Administration and St. Jerome Larbelee as Deputy Coordinator for Operations.

The committee will manage deployment plans, coordinate maintenance, and report monthly on the equipment’s status under a “Maintenance-First” policy to maximize value.

The first batch of 137 of the 285 machines has already arrived at the Freeport of Monrovia aboard the vessel HJ SINGAPORE, including graders, bulldozers, compactors, loaders, trucks, and excavators.

Liberia’s road infrastructure remains a major obstacle to economic growth, agricultural productivity, and national security. Effective use of the new equipment could transform rural access, reduce transportation costs, and boost development.

But experts warn that mismanagement or politicization could waste millions of dollars and erode public trust.

Brown’s call reflects growing public attention on ensuring national projects serve national—not political—interests.