Claim: JNB budget for 2024 for EPS is 8.3 million, two times less than what Weah spent in 2023.
Verdict: Partly true; the CDC-led government did not spend US$14 million in 2022 but US$16 million in 2023.
Full Text: Mo Ali, Managing Director, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) On August 1, 2024, posted on his Facebook page that Joseph N. Boakai-led government has spent two times less than what Weah spent in 2023 on Executive Protection Services (EPS).
On February 27, 2024, Ali was appointed Managing Director of LWSC; he also served as the Secretary-General and national spokesperson for the ruling Unity Party in 2023.
About LWSC: LWSC is responsible for the provision, distribution, and supply of clean and safe drinking water for public, domestic, and industrial purposes in Liberia. LWSC, established in 1973, is also responsible for constructing, installing, operating, managing, and maintaining water and sewerage facilities in Liberia.
The claim: “EPS Budget: WEAH’s EPS SPENT 14M in 2022. IN 2023, it was 16M. JNB’s budget for 2024 for EPS is 8.3M; two times less than what Weah spent in 2023. So out of the 16M Weah’s EPS spent, approximately 6M was withdrawn in cash on the counter.”
As of the time of this check, the post had attracted 361 reactions, 368 comments, and 35 shares.
Since 1960, the EPS has been responsible for providing VIP protection to government officials and dignitaries.
The service ensures the safety and security of high-ranking individuals and sensitive locations. It has a modern training academy to enhance personnel efficiency and make it the most elite force in Liberia.
Verification: To authenticate the claim by Ali, we checked the approved national envelope for the period 2022-2024 as posted on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning website.
The research found the actual budget for 2022 was US$14,087,426; the 2022 outturn is US$10,350,116 to the EPS.
In 2023, the institution’s budget allocation was US$9,859,259 and the outturn was $16,941,466; the 2024 budget is US$8,388,480.
After a review of the amount of the 2024 budget, it shows that the 2024 budget is less than the 2023 outturn.
Conclusion: Our research revealed that Ali’s assertion is partly correct. The Weah administration projected $14 million for 2022; however, the outturn was US$10.3 million. In addition, US$9.3 million was allotted for 2023, but only US$16.9 million was spent. As a result, Weah’s government spent less than US$14 million in 2022, as Ali claimed; rather, it spent US$16 million in 2023.
