This move has sparked controversy, as it contradicts the 2024 Budget Law, which set the threshold at $45,000 for government vehicle purchases.
Senator Crayton O. Duncan and other members of the Senate raised concerns over the GSA’s decision, which was made unilaterally without legislative approval. On February 27, 2025, the Senate Plenary voted to investigate the GSA’s actions and the sources of additional funds used by public officials to purchase vehicles above the set threshold.
Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. initiated the investigation, expressing concerns that the GSA’s action undermines fiscal discipline, transparency, and compliance with the law. “This statement from the GSA raises grave concerns regarding compliance with the law, fiscal discipline, and transparency in public expenditure,” Senator Snowe said in his communication.
The 2024 Budget Law specifies that public officials, except for a few senior government leaders, should not spend more than $45,000 on vehicles. However, recent reports indicate that some government officials have been using taxpayer funds to purchase high-end vehicles well above this limit, despite widespread poverty and hardship across the country.
Additionally, the recent statement by GSA Director-General Galakpai Kortimai setting a new threshold of $60,000 has drawn sharp criticism. This increase is viewed as a violation of the legislative process, as any changes to the budget law require parliamentary approval.
