Following the port inspection, lawmakers proceeded to the Executive Mansion, where they formally expressed appreciation to President Boakai.
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia –The Plenary of the House of Representatives was awash in yellow on Thursday, February 26, as lawmakers staged a symbolic show of solidarity to celebrate newly arrived earth-moving equipment procured by the government.
During the 14th day sitting of the 3rd Session of the 1st Quarter of the 55th Legislature, majority members under the gavel of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon appeared dressed in dominant yellow attire — a gesture aligned with what officials have dubbed the “Yellow Machines” initiative.
At the Speaker’s order, legislative activities were shortened to allow members to proceed to the Freeport of Monrovia for the official offloading ceremony of the equipment. The machines were later transported to a military barracks in Careysburg, from where they will be distributed to counties across the country.
Infrastructure Push Under Boakai
The machinery forms part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s infrastructure transformation program, which places road connectivity at the center of his administration’s economic policy framework.
Government officials have repeatedly described road expansion as essential to stimulating trade, improving farmers’ access to markets, and strengthening inter-county commerce. Public Works authorities say decentralizing heavy equipment to the counties will significantly improve response times for road maintenance, particularly during the rainy season when rural roads often become impassable.
The first batch of machines arrived in Liberia on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Additional consignments are expected in subsequent shipments as part of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Brownie Samukai, head of the “Yellow Machines” initiative, confirmed that the equipment was cleared in accordance with port regulations before being transported inland.
House Members Show Solidarity
In what lawmakers described as a nonpartisan show of support for national development, members of the House dressed in yellow before traveling to inspect the equipment.
Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah both appeared in yellow suits, with the Speaker urging colleagues to join him at the port.
“Colleagues, we are going to the Freeport of Monrovia to inspect the yellow machines, and then move to the President to tell him thank you for the hard work done,” Speaker Koon said during the day’s sitting.
Deputy Speaker Fallah echoed similar sentiments on his official Facebook page:
“Celebrating the Yellow Machines at the House of Representatives. Thanks to President Boakai for bringing development to the people.”
At the Freeport, lawmakers said their visit was also intended to verify the condition of the machines amid public speculation.
“People were saying the machines were not new, so we decided to go there and see for ourselves. What we saw today clears the myth — these machines are all brand new,” Speaker Koon told reporters.
Responding to suggestions that the display could be interpreted as political theater, Koon dismissed the notion.
“This is not AI; it’s reality. Liberians should not see the machines as political,” he said. “These machines belong to the Liberian people.”
At the Executive Mansion
Following the port inspection, lawmakers proceeded to the Executive Mansion, where they formally expressed appreciation to President Boakai.
Deputy Speaker Fallah declared the occasion “Yellow Machine Day,” noting the presence of what he estimated to be 90 to 95 percent of House members.
“The people of Foya say thank you. We declare today as Yellow Machine Day,” Fallah said.
Speaker Koon described the initiative as a significant step toward national transformation.
“Mr. President, our presence here today is to acknowledge your hard work. These machines will help lay out cities, open market roads, and connect villages and towns,” he said.
During the 14th day sitting of the 3rd Session of the 1st Quarter of the 55th Legislature, majority members under the gavel of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon (left) dressed in dominant yellow attire — a gesture aligned with what officials have dubbed the “Yellow Machines” initiative.
President Boakai Calls for Unity and Proper Management
In response, President Boakai thanked the lawmakers and emphasized collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches.
“None of this could have happened if we were not working together. This is the kind of spirit we want to encourage in our country,” the President said.
He stressed that Liberia continues to face major infrastructure challenges despite its long history.
“We cannot continue to say that we are 179 years old and still have no roads, no water, and no electricity. We know the difficulty you go through to reach the people who elected you.”
President Boakai assured that the equipment would be deployed under a structured management system to ensure accountability and sustainability.
“We are going to make sure these machines are used in the respective counties to open up our country. We want our children and grandchildren to inherit a country they can be proud of.”
Plans for Major Highway Project
The President also disclosed that his administration is preparing for a groundbreaking ceremony for a proposed four-lane highway stretching from the St. Paul Bridge to Bo-Waterside and Mandikorma, extending through Gbarpolu County.
According to the President, the project is intended to enhance regional trade, mobility, and economic growth, while strengthening national unity through improved connectivity.
A Rare Moment of Visible Unity
The event marked a visible moment of alignment between the Executive and Legislative branches around infrastructure development. Lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the administration to sustain progress in expanding Liberia’s road network and improving nationwide access.
While symbolic in tone, the day’s activities underscored the administration’s focus on infrastructure as a pillar of its development agenda — and the Legislature’s willingness to publicly associate itself with that effort.