Monrovia, Liberia: President George Manneh Weah has dispelled growing criticisms and public insinuations concerning the alleged purchase of a private jet by the government. 

 

The President clarified that claims that the plane has been bought by the government are far from reality, as the government has greater priorities to better the lives of the Liberian people than to commit $30 million (Thirty Million United States Dollars) to purchase a private jet.

 

The clarification was made on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Foreign Ministry when he presented two buses to the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs for use by employees.

 

“The airplane issue is causing problem. We don’t have a bus, how will we buy a $30 million plane? Where do they get this kind of news from? It is not possible for us to buy a plane for $30 million; we are just coming to office”, the President quipped.

 

“The airplane they are talking about is for my friend, who is the manager of a big company in Burkina Faso. He told me to use it anytime I want to travel because he has seen me use planes owned by Ivory Coast and others. He wants me use a plane that is not labeled to boost my morale too,” the Liberian President added.

 

According to the President, buying plane for the country will not be a bad idea, but such plane will be for commercial purposes to take Liberians to and fro the country, stressing “But the first plane will not be private.”

 

He reminded Liberians that he is a celebrity who has so many friends that are willing to help him in whatever way they can, adding that when someone decides to help  him should not be an issue; as in the case of the private jet. 

 

President Weah said there are ongoing talks to make Liberia a hub for the region where it becomes a transit point for people traveling across the continent. 

 

The Liberian Leader noted that he and others of his generation will not be blamed for the country’s woes but added that his overwhelming concern is to fix the problems.

In recent time, there has been public outcry on various media outlets concerning the alleged purchase of a private jet, with many taking to social media to emit invectives.