House Summons Port Stakeholders

CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia, November 4, 2026: The House of Representatives has invited key stakeholders in Liberia’s maritime and shipping sectors to a special hearing scheduled for Friday, November 6, following protests by Liberian businesswomen over prolonged shipping delays and alleged excessive port charges.

The decision follows a protest at the Capitol Building by members of the China Business Women Association, who complained that persistent shipping delays, high operational costs and mounting bank debts are threatening the survival of their businesses.

According to the protesters, imported goods from China and other Asian countries sometimes take between six and seven months to reach Liberia, with additional delays at the Freeport of Monrovia further worsening their financial difficulties.

The women said many Liberian entrepreneurs secure high-interest bank loans using their homes and other properties as collateral, only to face mounting interest payments while their goods remain stranded at sea or delayed at the port.

“As hardworking taxpayers and employers, we risk everything to sustain Liberia’s economy. We secure high-interest bank loans using our personal homes and properties as collateral,” the women stated in their petition.

They argued that prolonged shipping delays prevent businesses from recovering investments and replenishing their inventories, exposing traders to financial losses and possible closure.

The protesters also complained about additional port charges and administrative fees, which they said compound their financial burden.

They are demanding an immediate and independent investigation into shipping companies and port operators to establish the causes of the delays and address what they described as unfair charges.

Friday’s hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for House leaders to engage relevant port stakeholders on the complaints and explore measures to improve cargo delivery and clearance procedures.