Boakai Appoints Brownie Samukai to Spearhead Yellow Machines Management Team

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: In anticipation of the arrival of the much-talked-about 285 yellow machines, President Joseph Boakai has established a management team and appointed former National Defense Minister Brownie Samukai as Executive Chairperson.

By: Emmanuel George

The management team, Yellow Machines Board of Authority (YMBOA), according to the President is tasked with overseeing the deployment, maintenance, and operations of the machines procured and shipped from China for nationwide infrastructure development.

The appointment of Samukai to spearhead the management team, places him at the center of one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives of Boakai's administration, aimed at improving road connectivity, public works, and basic services across Liberia’s fifteen political subdivisions.

According to an Executive Mansion release issued on Sunday, February 8, the Yellow Machines Board of Authority will be responsible for ensuring the efficient utilization, accountability, and sustainability of the heavy-duty equipment.

The Board’s mandate also includes coordinating with line ministries, local authorities, and contractors to prevent misuse and ensure regular maintenance and critical construction projects, especially in underserved rural areas.

According to relevant government authorities, the 285 yellow machines are being shipped in phased batches from China, and the first consignment is expected in Liberia by March 2026.

The negotiation and procurement of the heavy-duty machines have since ignited public debate about the source of funding and the terms and agreements under which the process was done.

Some have speculated that the government has considered the equipment in exchange for estimated natural resources, while others have maintained that the machines were purchased under a strict deal.

Civil society actors say in order for the initiative to produce the needed results, the management team must be effective, arguing that past infrastructure initiatives collapsed due to weak oversight and asset diversion.

At the same time, they are calling for strong transparency mechanisms, including public reporting, independent audits, and clear rules governing the allocation of the equipment.

“This is a test case for the Boakai administration,” a civil society advocate said. “If these machines are properly managed and visibly improve roads and public infrastructure, public confidence will grow. If not, questions will be raised about governance and accountability.”

The Yellow Machines Board of Authority comprises: Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs; Chair, Ministry of Public Works; Co-Chair, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; Member, Ministry of National Defense; Member, Ministry of Agriculture; Member, Ministry of Local Government; Member, Ministry of Information; Member, and General Services Agency (GSA), Member

As Liberia continues to grapple with infrastructure deficits, many observers believe that the success or failure of the yellow machines program will be measured not by appointments alone, but by results on the ground—graded roads, accessible communities, and visible improvements in daily life.