President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has established the Yellow Machines Board of Authority (YMBOA) to oversee the management and deployment of new infrastructure equipment in Liberia. Former Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai has been appointed as Executive Chairperson of the Coordinating Committee for this initiative.
The creation of the YMBOA comes ahead of the arrival of 285 yellow machines purchased by the Liberian government from China, intended for road and infrastructure projects across the country. The Board includes representatives from several ministries: State for Presidential Affairs (Chair), Public Works (Co-Chair), Finance and Development Planning, National Defense, Agriculture, Local Government, Information, and the General Services Agency. The Chairperson of the Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee (SPPCC) will serve as Secretary to the Board.
The YMBOA is tasked with developing policies and frameworks to ensure proper maintenance and use of these machines. Its responsibilities include receiving, accounting for, deploying, managing costs, operating, storing, and maintaining the equipment.
Additionally, President Boakai has formed the SPPCC to manage daily operations related to these machines. Brownie J. Samukai will also lead this committee as National Coordinator. Other members are Honorable Roger S.W.Y. Domah as Deputy Coordinator for Administration and Honorable St. Jerome Larbelee as Deputy Coordinator for Operations. A support staff team will be assembled.
The SPPCC’s main duties are to coordinate with government agencies on machine utilization and prepare a National Deployment Plan for approval by YMBOA. It must report monthly on activities and maintain a “Maintenance-First” approach to maximize equipment lifespan.
Early last month in China, Prince Tambah—Deputy Minister of Public Works for Technical Services—announced that the first batch of machinery had been loaded onto a ship bound for Monrovia with an expected arrival in late March 2026.
According to President Boakai’s office: “The arrival of these earth moving equipment and other assortment of machines will mark a remarkable turning point in this Administration’s quest for impactful infrastructural transformation in the country.”
The Executive Mansion serves as both workplace and residence for Liberia’s president in Monrovia. It functions within Liberia’s executive branch while symbolizing national leadership and unity through official communications about state initiatives such as this one. The Executive Mansion regularly provides public updates on presidential events to promote transparency in governance efforts.