Liberia: FPA Unveils Annual Assessment of Various State-Owned Enterprises

After the new deadline, the old banknotes will not be accepted for exchange at any commercial banks and  Rural Community Finance Institutions (RCFIs). The exchange exercise will continue only at the CBL facilities across the country.

The CBL came under fire during the year amid criticisms from Dr. Bonokai G. B. Gould concerning the state of Liberia’s monetary system. The CBL described several of Gould’s assertions as misleading and unsupported by data. The CBL’s statement, issued in response to the remarks, seeks to set the record straight on key issues raised by Dr. Gould, including claims about the scarcity of the Liberian dollar, flaws in currency circulation management, and the alleged inadequacies of the exchange rate regime.

Dr. Gould, a prominent economist, had criticized the CBL’s monetary policies, suggesting that “the Liberian dollar shortage and the volatility of the exchange rate stem not just from supply and demand issues but also from systemic mismanagement.” He further implied that the lack of a consistent monetary policy framework and currency auctions by the Bank had exacerbated these challenges. According to Dr. Gould, “the Central Bank has failed to ensure that there is enough Liberian currency in circulation to meet economic needs, especially during critical periods like the festive season.”

The CBL refuted Dr. Gould’s claim of a Liberian dollar shortage, insisting that there is adequate currency in circulation to meet the economy’s needs. According to the Bank, as of October 2024, approximately LRD 28 billion was in circulation, in addition to significant reserves maintained in its operational and vault systems. “There is no indication of a Liberian dollar shortage in the economy, and the Bank remains committed to meeting both current and post-festive season demand,” the statement emphasized.

During the year, the CBL was also forced to clarify reports of shortage of Liberian dollars and distrust in the local currency. The CBL categorically indicated that the exchange rate is strictly market-determined and that there is no shortage of Liberian dollars in the economy. Contrary to claims that Liberia’s currency issues stem from more than supply and demand dynamics, the report acknowledges that foreign currency exchanged for Liberian dollars supports the value of the domestic currency. The CBL considers this as a clear validation of the market-driven nature of the exchange rate. As of October 2024, the Liberian dollar currency in circulation is estimated at approximately LRD 28 billion. In addition to the Liberian dollar in the operational vault, the CBL maintains more than adequate LRD in the reserves vault of the bank to meet current and post festive market demand and ensure seamless transactions.

GRADE: B

2025 OUTLOOK: Will former Governor Tarlue ever get his US$1 million?

GOVERNANCE COMMISSION

Chairman, Prof. Alaric K. Tokpa,

THE LOWDOWN: The Governance Commission was established by an Act of the Legislature in 2007 to champion the social, economic and political development of Liberia. The Commission carries out this mandate through research and consultations with Liberians on issues affecting governance in Liberia. It publishes its research findings and recommends policy and institutional reforms that are designed to improve public service delivery, private- sector performance and the living standards of all Liberians.

During the course of the year under review, the GC expressed a commitment to pushing the implementation of the decentralization policy amid calls for a stronger political will to advance the process.

New chair, Prof. Alaric Tokpah emphasized GC’s commitment to the collective effort for the implementation of the National Development Agenda (NDA). He furthered that the Governance Commission is a key driver of the decentralization policy, referencing the National Policy on Decentralization, the Local Government Law (LGA), and The Revenue Sharing Law (RSL) as some key contributions made by the Commission.

2024 HIGH: In a significant move to promote better governance in Liberia, the GC, the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) signed a landmark agreement aimed at improving public sector performance. The signing ceremony took place on October 1, 2024, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism.

The agreement, known as a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is the result of months of discussions and collaboration. It sets the stage for public sector and civil service reforms, which are seen as crucial for Liberia’s national development. Prof. Alaric Tokpa, Acting Chair of the GC, emphasized the importance of these reforms, noting that public sector reform is both a local demand and an international concern.

A key aspect of the agreement is the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) that will oversee the implementation of the MOU. This group will work to ensure that the reforms are carried out effectively. The MOU is designed to support the government’s Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and outlines specific roles for each party. The Governance Commission will lead the process as chair, with the CSA serving as co-chair, and LIPA providing administrative support.

During the year, the GC expanded its scope with the creation of a new mandate area titled the “Peace and Security Mandate Area” (PSMA). Announced by GC Acting Chairman Prof. Alaric Tokpa, the PSMA is dedicated to enhancing coordination among peace actors within the government and across the broader Liberian society. Additionally, the PSMA will focus on developing best practices for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and addressing security issues throughout the country.

Once established, the PSMA will become the sixth working program area of the commission, joining the existing mandate areas: Civic Engagement, National Identity and Visioning, Public Sector, Political & Legal Reforms/Decentralization, National Integrity System, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Publication.

Also, during the year, the GC followed a recommendation from Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin, who called for the Legislature to establish what he referred to as “The National Peace Commission.” Both Prof. Tokpa and Minister Nyumalin’s remarks were in response to a proposal by Mr. Sheik S. S. Kamara, Executive Director of the Liberia Peacebuilding Office (LPBO), who urged the Legislature to create an Independent Peace Commission to reinforce Liberia’s peace efforts.

2024 LOW: During the course of the year under review, the GC was rocked by an internal rift. FrontPage Africa reported simmer tensions as acting chairperson Alaric Tokpah ‘illegally’ sacked the executive director, Mathias F. Korpu. Korpu’s dismissal has sparked concern over the commission’s operational integrity. The move has reignited debates over the commission’s mandate and its adherence to established protocols.

The dismissal followed media reports that Tokpa had been quietly  threatening to sack employees he single-handedly deems non-essential at the entity. Mr. Tokpa stated that the decision to terminate the services of the executive director was deemed necessary because his (Matthias F. Korpu) recruitment process violated the commission’s founding legislation. Also, Mr. Tokpa has planned to terminate all employment and subject employees to reapply for their current positions, thus triggering criticisms as aggrieved employees are questioning the legality and procedural fairness of the dismissal with allegations of an internal power struggle brewing beneath the surface.

During the year the GC outlined poor governance, over politicization of the civil service, overstaffing of government institutions, indiscipline, corruption, impunity, intimidation, and the killing of professionals as governance crises inherited by the Boakai-Koung administration.

GC Chair Tokpa believes that public sector reforms in Liberia must be carried out with the utmost seriousness, noting that it is no secret that the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai inherited a broken system from the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change.

While addressing the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism in October, Tokpa underscored that these concerns would require system reform, adding that system reform is better achieved as a collective endeavor.

GRADE: C

2025 OUTLOOK: It’s always signs of trouble when internal wrangling stifles the commission tasked with implementing governance. Will the trend from the Weah era run into the new year?

LIBERIA EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE (LEITI)

HEAD OF SECRETARIAT, Jeffrey Yates

THE LOWDOWN: The LEITI initiative aims to strengthen governance by improving and promoting resource transparency and accountability through proper extractive revenue management; and to monitor compliance of fiscal and non-fiscal obligations of concessionaires that impact the Liberian economy. The initiative is part of the EITI- a global Standard to promote the open and accountable management of extractive resources. LEITI works through a Secretariat guided by a multi-stake holder arrangement comprising the Government, Civil Society Organizations and Private companies to improve the governance of the Extractive sector in Liberia.

As Liberia navigates its way through mounting challenges, the work of LEITI remains critical in ensuring that the country’s resources are managed transparently and responsibly.

The initiative is a global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. It seeks to address the key governance issues in the extractive sectors and requires information along the extractive industry value chain from the point of extraction, to how the revenue makes its way through the government, to how it contributes to the economy. This includes how licenses and contracts are allocated and registered, who the beneficial owners of those operations are, what the fiscal and legal arrangements are, how much is produced, how much is paid, where are those revenues allocated, and what is the contribution to the economy, including employment.

Liberia is one of 52 Countries worldwide that are implementing the EITI Standard. Each of these countries is required to publish an annual EITI Report  disclosing information on contracts and licenses, production, revenue collection, revenue allocation, and social and economic spending.

Liberia became a part of the EITI Countries by an Act of the Legislature in 2009 after two years of implementing the EITI standard and has since published eight reports with its ninth report in progress. The Liberian Secretariat has had three Heads of Secretariat from 2007 until now. Revenues collected from sectors covered by the LEITI are tracked, used, and accounted for transparently to benefit all Liberians, reduce poverty, and enhance economic and social development.

2024 HIGH: The high point of the year for LEITI was the release of its 15th report, which highlighted the significant contribution of the extractive sector to Liberia’s domestic revenue. According to the report, the extractive sector accounted for 17.16 percent of the government’s revenue envelope in the last fiscal year, amounting to US$182.35 million.

The top contributors to the government’s revenue during this period were ArcelorMittal Liberia Limited, Bea Mountain Mining Company, and Firestone Liberia Incorporated. These companies contributed a combined total of US$132 million, with ArcelorMittal leading the way with $78 million.

The report also sheds light on the social and environmental expenditures of extractive companies, which totaled US$34 million. Mandatory social spending accounted for US$28 million, while voluntary social expenditure amounted to US$5 million. Moreover, both mandatory and voluntary environmental expenses stood at US$1 million each.

The 15th report covers various sectors, including mining, oil and gas, agriculture, and forestry, providing valuable insights into the activities and operations of companies involved in mineral extraction, logging, and the production of rubber, oil palm, cocoa, and more.

Key statistics from the report include gold production at 14,092 kg, iron ore production at 6,852,999 metric tons, diamond production at 87,732 carats, round logs production at 263,323 cubic meters, rubber production at 129,417 tons, and crude palm oil production at 53,940 metric tons.

The report also highlights the significant contribution of the extractive sector to Liberia’s exports, which accounted for 99.23% of the total exports of the country during the period. Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, ArcelorMittal, and MNG Gold were the top contributors to Liberia’s exports, with 48%, 40%, and 9% respectively. Regarding employment, the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors collectively employed 12,017 people in 2022, representing 0.50% of the country’s labor force.

Furthermore, 21% of these workers were female, indicating a certain level of gender inclusivity within the industry. The production of the 15th EITI Report was accomplished through the collaboration of the LEITI Multi-Stakeholders Group (MSG), Parker & Associates LLC, and BDO-UK.

The report includes detailed information on various aspects, such as the legal framework and fiscal regime, extractive industries’ contribution to the economy, production and export data, revenue allocations, and more.

Liberia has also taken a significant step towards transparency in company ownership with the launch of its new Beneficial Ownership (BO) register. This register aims to enhance accountability, domestic resource mobilization, and the prevention of financial or environmental crimes. The register was launched in September 2023 and will be fully available in March 2024, the LEITI secretariat said.

During the course of the year under review, the push for greater transparency and accountability in Liberia’s extractive industries took a significant step forward as the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) and the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) hosted an exercise on Beneficial Ownership (BO) Transparency in Monrovia.

The exercise’s main goal was to sharpen the skills of key stakeholders and addressing emerging challenges around beneficial ownership transparency, the event attracted more than 40 participants representing 20 institutions across government, civil society, and private companies.

The exercise emphasized the importance of empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to identify and track the real individuals—beneficial owners—who ultimately control or profit from companies operating within Liberia’s extractive sector. As extractive industries such as mining, oil, and gas remain central to Liberia’s economy, ensuring transparency in ownership structures is critical to combating corruption and enhancing good governance. The event, guided by the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), brought participants together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and discuss the necessary steps toward achieving a robust and transparent beneficial ownership regime in Liberia.

Jeffrey Yates, Head of Secretariat has been pushing for the need for Liberians to take ownership of the process of beneficial ownership transparency. He emphasized that while international frameworks and initiatives like EITI provide a strong foundation, the true success of any transparency efforts must come from within Liberia itself. “For this process to succeed beyond the crafted frameworks and international efforts, Liberians must take ownership of the process with utmost patriotism,” Yates said. He stressed the importance of continued engagement among all stakeholders to foster a national culture of transparency, one where beneficial ownership disclosure becomes not just a regulatory requirement but a deeply ingrained national priority. According to Yates, sustained dialogue and collaboration will be essential in overcoming the challenges that continue to impede progress.

2024 LOW: Much of LEITI’s work is often impacted by results and how the numbers reported translate into success for the extractive industries and as part of the global EITI movement, LEITI operates to track and publish detailed information about Liberia’s natural resource management, including revenue streams, licensing processes, and contracts between the government and private companies. However, during the course of the year, a lot of the success of those initiatives largely depended on how well the data is utilized by civil society, media, and academic institutions to hold the government and private sector accountable. This has been hampered by lack of resources hurting LEITI’s work.

As the head of secretariat, Yates pointed out during the year under review, “EITI reporting goes beyond numbers and data. It is about making sure the people of Liberia know how their resources are being managed and ensuring that the benefits of these resources reach every Liberian.”

According to Yates, intellectual centers, which include universities, think tanks, and civil society research institutions, have a significant role to play in enhancing transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. By analyzing LEITI data, these institutions can identify gaps in governance and offer policy recommendations to improve how natural resources are managed.

GRADE: B

2025 OUTLOOK: LEITI does a lot of good research in a bid to keep track of the extractive industries. Will resources pour in the coming year?

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY(FIA)

OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, Mohammed A. Nasser

THE LOWDOWN: The FIU, one of Liberia’s worst-performing integrity institutions was established to serve as the central, national agency of Liberia responsible for the receipt, analysis, and conduct preliminary investigations of suspicious transactions or activities relevant to money laundering, associated predicate offenses, terrorist financing, financing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and proceeds of crime and other transactions or activities reports determined by the FIA.

While the vision FIA is to build a well-equipped Agency dedicated to an effective Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism regime in Liberia, the FIU has failed to live up to its name amid concerns of government influence and massive corruption over the past years.

2024 HIGH: During the course of the year under review,  a delegation from the FIU visited the Nigeria- Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) on a study tour, with the aim at bolstering cooperation and learning from the NFIU’s established AML/CFT practices to enhance regional collaboration in West Africa against financial crimes that are severely detrimental to the global financial system.

The FIA delegation headed by Hon. Amos Y. Boakai, Deputy Director General of the Agency, engaged various departments within the NFIU to help strengthen international cooperation and information sharing between the two AML/CFT regulatory institutions, which is in line with Recommendation-2 that emphasizes collaboration for combating illicit financial activities.

During the year under review, the FIA conducted an interactive awareness and sensitization workshop with stakeholders and professionals in the real estate sector, as part of ongoing Money Laundering and    Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) risk assessment. The assessment workshop was necessitated by different reports, findings, and recommendations from Liberia’s National ML/TF Risk Assessment (NRA) and Liberia’s second round of Mutual Evaluation (MER-2) by national and regional AML/CFT bodies. These findings showed, inter alia, that the real estate sector lacks AML/CFT regulators and is therefore extremely vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). The findings further noted the absence of a legal AML/CFT framework to regulate the real estate sector, informal financial transaction, uncoordinated real estate professionals, etc – spotlighting Liberia’s 2019 National Risk Assessment report and second mutual evaluation report (MER-2), which identified several deficiencies in the country’s real estate sector; punctuating the need to remedy these pitfalls in order to facilitate a robust AML/CFT compliance regime in Liberia. 

2024 LOW:  During the year in review, President Boakai was forced to suspend Stanley Ford, Director General of the FIA for allegations of financial and other malpractices. The President urged Mr. Ford to submit himself to the investigation and cooperate fully to make sure that the matter is resolved expeditiously.

Despite the President’s urging, Mr. Ford was never arrested or charged.

The allegations against Mr. Ford centered around financial misconduct. The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) through its Executive Director Anderson Miamen during the year urged the Boakai administration to act against Ford who is accused in a more than one million United States Dollars racket, allegedly disbursed in the name of the Comptroller, including over US$500 Thousand withdrawn on the same day it was transferred by the Central Bank of Liberia.

GRADE: F

2025 OUTLOOK:  Where is Mr. Ford? Will Case ever see the light of day?

LIBERIA MARITIME AUTHORITY

COMMISSIONER, Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr.

THE LOWDOWN: The authority has a mandate to build a vibrant domestic maritime program that is financially self-sustaining, internationally compliant and effective in protecting Liberia’ Maritime Domain. During the course of the year under review, LiMA formally validated and approved the National Maritime Strategy (NMS) of Liberia for the next five years. The NMS, which contains three cardinal pillars of Collaboration, Innovation and Partnerships, brings to the fore the whole-of-government approach to ensuring that Liberia fully meets its national and international obligations in maritime governance.

In validating and approving the National Maritime Strategy, Commissioner Lighe wishes to express his appreciation to the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Transport, the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, the Managing Director of the National Port Authority, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority for participating in the process as collaborating entities and partners in the Maritime Administration of Liberia.

During the year, the overall status of the Authority was satisfactory with many strides and achievements made in the core areas of its mandate. During the reporting period, there were many milestones in areas such as contribution to the national budget, the drafting and finalization of various policy documents for operational effectiveness as well as notable achievements in preparing Liberia for the November 2024 Mandatory Member States Audit to be conducted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Authority also made significant gains in areas such as infrastructure development, capacity building and youth empowerment, productivity of workforce and effectiveness in financial reporting and compliance. Regarding effective financial reporting and compliance, the Liberia Maritime Authority continues to ensure regular periodic audits of its financial statements and system by both internal and external auditors to ensure accountability and transparency.

During the reporting period, the Authority began the process of developing its Strategic Plan for the next five years (2025-2029). The process, which is nearing completion, involved stakeholder engagements, a comprehensive situational analysis of the operating environment, the formulation of various goals and the development of specified targets as well as pertinent actions to achieve those targets. It is also worth mentioning that the new strategic plan of the Liberia Maritime Authority seeks to widen the operational remit of the Authority by veering into different emerging and traditional maritime business areas.

On the overall, the status of the Liberia Maritime Authority is stable with far more positive gains expected in the coming years. More efforts and strategies are expected to be instituted, and it is expected that many milestones will be made in many areas of the sector.

2024 HIGH: During the year, the Authority embarked upon several reforms through the drafting of several policies that either have been approved or pending approval by the newly appointed Board of Directors. With the help of its newly formed Risk Management and Quality Assurance Division, the Authority now has a draft Fraud Policy and a Draft Risk Management Policy that are currently awaiting approval from the Board of Directors. These two policies will help guide the internal controls of the Authority thereby strengthening its financial operations by ensuring full compliance with public financial laws and international accounting standards. Additionally, the Authority has also revised its finance and accounting manual that now inculcates several audit recommendations to ensure transparency and accountability.

In a bid to finalize a proper internal control over its fixed assets, the Authority has implemented the coding of all its assets and is currently finalizing its fixed assets register to meet international standards thereby ensuring full implementation of a previous audit recommendation. The Authority has been rated by a latest report from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) as one of the highest implementers of audit recommendations. The Authority views audit recommendations implementation as a basis for good governance and means of instituting proper internal controls. 

During the period under review, Liberia achieved moderate increase in the number of ships calling at Liberian ports. A total of 325 vessels, totaling 5,785,892 Gross Tons, called at the ports in Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville and Harper. Furthermore, 99 Port State Control (PSC) inspections were carried out with zero detention, 3 inspections with 5 deficiencies, and 54 reported to the Abuja MoU.

The Authority for the period under review has successfully completed the 1st and 3rd Quarter International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) inspections/audits at the Freeport of Monrovia and its concessions, including the leeward ports by our dedicated team of inspectors/auditors. In collaboration with the US Coast Guard, the Authority, as the Designated Authority of ISPS implementation in Liberia, conducted a complete tour of Monrovia Sea Port to assess Liberia’s level of compliance at that facility.

From November 25, 2024, to December 2, 2024, the International Maritime Organization audited Liberia maritime administration as part of the IMO member states audit scheme (IMSAS).  The audit focused on Liberia’s compliance with its port and coastal state obligations under various international maritime conventions and treaties. Findings and observations from the audit have been presented to the Authority. The Authority is now poised to commence developing and implementing corrective actions to rectify the deficiencies reported in the audit. 

During the year, the authority Management embarked on constructing an annex next to the Global Corporate Headquarters in Congo Town. During the period under review, the Authority completed the bidding process for the design of the Annex and is expected to have the plan of the building completed by the end of 2024. The actual bidding process for the construction of the Annex will begin by the end of 2024 upon which time the authority will have a bill of quantity to commence the bidding process to secure a contractor for the project.

In mid-2024, the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) graduated a batch of 24 cadets. The cadets received Associate of Arts Degrees in Maritime Studies. Some of them have been placed on vessels for attainment of sea time while others are in the employ of other agencies like the National Port Authority, the Liberia Electricity Corporation etc.

In addition, the Authority commenced the construction of a dormitory on the campus of the Regional Maritime University to host Liberian students studying at that institution. The Authority plans to increase the number of Liberian students at the Regional Maritime University over the years to come. The Authority also awarded fully funded scholarships to 20 young Liberians to study at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana over the period under review.

The Authority was assessed the amount of 14 million United States Dollars as Maritime Contribution to the National Budget. By November 30, the Authority, through the International Registry, had contributed the amount of Twelve Million Nine Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$12,975,000.00) as Maritime Contribution to the GoL FY2024 Budget. This amount surpasses all contributions to the consolidated account in the last four (4) years and culminates into 93 percent of the total assessed amount in 2024. From all indications, the Authority is poised to meet up with its revenue target in 2024.

2024 LOW: During the year under review, dozens of oil tankers used by Russia stopped sailing under the Liberian and Marshall Islands flags after the United States ramped up sanctions enforcement on ships linked to those registries, according to shipping data and interviews with industry and government officials. The shift reflects the close relationship between the U.S. and the flag administration companies of Liberia and the Marshall Islands, which are headquartered not in their home countries, but in Virginia, just miles from Washington D.C. and within the jurisdiction of U.S. sanctions enforcement.

The heavy past use of those flags also represents a potentially lasting vulnerability for Russia’s oil fleet, whose tankers will remain liable for sanctions violations even after they have switched to a new flag outside of U.S. reach, according to energy and sanctions specialists.

In recent years, one of the primary concerns regarding maritime security in Liberia has been piracy. According to the International Maritime Bureau, piracy incidents in West Africa have increased in recent years, with Nigeria and neighboring countries being the most affected. While Liberia has not experienced significant piracy incidents, the country is still vulnerable to attacks due to its proximity to high-risk areas. Nevertheless, the country has taken steps to improve its maritime security.

Another challenge to Liberia’s maritime security is illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This practice, which involves fishing vessels operating without authorization or outside of established regulations, can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities. Liberia has made efforts to combat IUU fishing, including the adoption of the Liberian National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing.

GRADE: A-

2025 OUTLOOK: One of the biggest contributors to the Liberian economy

LIBERIA REVENUE AUTHORITY

COMMISSIONER GENERAL, Dorbor Jallah

THE LOWDOWN: The LRA is a Semi-autonomous organ of the Executive Branch of the Government. Formerly Department of Revenue under the former Ministry of Finance, which included the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs and Excise, as defined in Chapter 21 of the Executive Law of 1972, the LRA is mandated to administer and enforce revenue laws in accordance to the Liberia Revenue Code (and other related laws under which it is assigned responsibility) for the purpose of assessing, collecting, auditing, and accounting for all national revenues and to facilitate legitimate international trade and customs border management enforcement.

During the year under review, incoming Director General Jallah spoke of his dedication to curbing illicit practices within customs operations, including false declarations and under-reporting, to grow the country’s revenue. Commissioner General (CG) Jallah highlighted the vital role customs brokers have to play in the nation’s economic landscape, while cautioning against unethical practices such as advising clients to falsify or understate goods and materials.

Commissioner General Jallah held key talks with a delegation from the European Union (EU) and the newly appointed Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the LRA Headquarters in discussions centered on sustaining the LRA’s recent achievements in revenue collection and exploring new strategies to increase domestic revenue, supporting Liberia’s economic growth.

The delegation emphasized the LRA’s pivotal role in Liberia’s economy and highlighted the meeting’s objective of identifying areas where the EU could assist the Authority in enhancing its capacity to further drive revenue growth.

This year marked the LRA’s 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of existence for the revenue authority. Ten years ago, the LRA commenced its operations with a mission to enhance tax collection, improve efficiency, and promote transparency. Over the past decade, the authority has successfully increased domestic revenue from an annual collection of US$400 million to nearly US$800 million, amassing a total revenue of at least US$4.3 billion. This substantial growth underscores the dedication and compliance of responsible taxpayers across the country.

2024 HIGH: The LRA reported a massive haul in taxes during the course of the year under review. As of September 30, 2024, the LRA has successfully collected US$513.8 million or 74% of the total domestic revenue envelope of US$694.4 million, representing a 12% increase in domestic revenue compared to last year. The collected amount is US$54.3 million more than the year-to-date revenue target.

The 2024 national budget target is US$738.86 million, with US$696.4 million (pre-recast) expected from domestic tax collection and US$42.4 million projected from external support.

The LRA reported no revenues from external sources, meaning that all revenues collected by the LRA to date has been generated domestically by compliant taxpayers, highlighting the crucial reliance on domestic revenue mobilization to achieve the budgetary goals, and the LRA Commissioner General, James Dorbor Jallah, proudly acknowledges the contributions of Liberia’s taxpayers.

With $513.8 million already collected against the pre-recast annual domestic revenue target of $696.4 million, the LRA remains on course to meet its 2024 revenue goal. This significant milestone reflects the steady progress in domestic revenue collection under the capable leadership of Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, whose strategic vision has positioned the LRA as a key player in driving national growth through improved revenue mobilization. Since March 2024, when CG Jallah took over, the LRA has consistently surpassed its monthly revenue collections compared to the same period in 2023 and is committed to reaching the one billion mark in the coming years.

The tax haul drew high praise from a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, headed of the IMF delegation, Mr. Daehaeng Kim, who expressed admiration for the LRA’s achievements, particularly noting the exceptional revenue performance at the close of October 2024, which surpassed the projected revenue target by 1%. The LRA exceeded its year-to-date target of US$568.2 million, collecting an impressive US$572.6 million, marking the highest level of domestic revenue mobilized by the LRA at this point in the year since its inception a decade ago.

Mr. Kim highlighted the resilience and commitment demonstrated by Commissioner General Jallah and his team at the LRA despite numerous challenges, acknowledging their critical role in Liberia’s development. He said it was encouraging to see Commissioner General Jallah’s leadership and the LRA’s hard work yielding such remarkable progress. “Liberia’s economic stability depends on effective revenue mobilization, and the IMF is pleased to see this progress,” Kim said, before asking for challenges the LRA is experiencing.

During the year, the LRA announce a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the receipt of 50 Starlink satellite terminals, with funding from the International Development Association (IDA) and the Government of Sweden, through the Public Financial Management Reform and Institutional Strengthening Project (PFMRISP). The equipment, valued at approximately US$162,000 (or 149,400 Euros), marks a significant leap forward in enhancing internet access for Tax Business Offices (TBOs) and Customs Business Offices (CBOs) across Liberia, including rural areas previously challenged by limited internet connectivity. The introduction of Starlink, a cutting-edge satellite internet service provider, will enhance internet connectivity at LRA offices nationwide. This initiative is crucial to the LRA’s strategic plan of leveraging digital technology to enhance revenue collection, providing real-time access to performance data in rural areas, and bolstering transparency, accountability, and reporting processes.

In April, the LRA embarked on a withholding audit of the National Road Fund (NRF) for the period spanning January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. The audit engagement meeting underscored the significance of adhering to tax regulations and maintaining accountability in the management of NRF’s financial records.

2024 LOW:  A blip for the LRA came in May when the authority was forced to deny media reports that it purchased a vehicle worth one-hundred-fifty US Dollars for the Ministry of Commerce.

While confirming that it approved a request by the Commerce Ministry in early May 2024, for ninety-six thousand US Dollars as support for the purchase of vehicles, the LRA explained that the money was expected to come from its Customs Capacity Building Fund under the Destination Inspectorate (DI) contract held with MEDTECH Scientific Limited.

The vehicles, the LRA said are intended for trade-related activities in collaboration with customs and clarified that the vehicles’ specifications and deployment are within the Commerce Ministry and not determined by the LRA.

Another blip came by way of the Customs Commissioner Saah Saamoi, appearing to be in blatant violation of a Supreme Court order, effectively diverting to an illegal company huge amounts of revenue that should otherwise be payable to the Liberian government and other parties under an existing Destination Inspection Agreement. The order, issued by the Supreme Court of Liberia on August 26, 2024, mandates the reinstatement of Medtec Scientific Liberia Limited under an existing Destination Inspection (DI) Agreement, effectively halting the operations of MTS Inspection Service Ltd., the company that had been superimposed as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the same agreement. 

According to the DI Agreement, signed in 2021 by the Government of Liberia and Medtec Scientific Limited, a company registered in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Medtec Scientific Limited established a subsidiary registered in Liberia, named “Medtec Scientific Liberia Limited”, for the implementation of the agreement. MTS Inspection Service is not recognized under the DI Agreement. 

The DI Agreement sought to replace BIVAC, the pre-shipment inspection provider after it closed operations in Liberia. The administration of President George M. Weah, at the time, opted to replace pre-shipment inspection — inspection of all goods at the port of embarkment — with Destination Inspection, which would take place upon arrival of shipments in Liberia. Destination Inspection, for the purposes of the agreement, refers to “the intrusive and non-intrusive examination of goods imported to or exported from Liberia for the purpose of ensuring the correctness of quantity of goods declared to Customs; and the accuracy of goods valuation, HS classification, origin, and the quality of such goods as established by the Government of Liberia using risk management techniques.” 

GRADE: B-

2025 OUTLOOK: With African Development Bank projecting downside risks in 2025 from Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine, can domestic taxes continue to keep the economy afloat?

NATIONAL FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE AUTHORITY

DIRECTOR GENERAL, Emma Metieh Glassco

THE LOWDOWN: NaFAA was created by an Act of National Legislation on October 9, 2017. It functions as a fully-fledged autonomous body pursuant to the Public Authorities Law of the Republic of Liberia. NaFAA has its roots in the erstwhile Bureau of National Fisheries, which operated as a unit within the department of Technical services of the Ministry of Agriculture from 1956 to 2017.

Since its creation, NaFAA, formerly the Bureau of National Fisheries, has carried out its statutory mandate to ensure that the sector is viable in implementing its responsibilities and revenue generation. Toward this aim, in 2010 the BNF through the MOA finalized the new Fisheries Regulations to ensure that the sector is well managed and regulated.

Today, NaFAA continues to undertake various activities to improve the management and regulation of fisheries in Liberia. According to the United States Aid for International Development, Fisheries in Liberia contribute about 10% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the sector provides full- or part-time employment for 37,000 people. Small-scale fisheries provide employment for 33,000 people, 60% of whom are women.

A 2009 analysis found that coastal fishing communities were highly vulnerable to poverty but emphasized that the fisheries sector has “large potential to contribute to socio- economic development” if barriers such as weak institutional capacity, an unfavorable political environment, conflicts with industrial fishing and migrant fishers, and lack of fisheries infrastructure are effectively addressed. Recent research suggests that Liberian fisheries can significantly contribute to sustainably providing the country’s needs for animal protein if key issues related to local capacity, governance, and infrastructure are addressed.

Over the period of the year under review, DG Glassco laid emphasis on the significance of small-skills fisheries in the Liberian Fisheries sector describing them as the heartbeat of the fishing communities across the Country. In September, while addressing the opening session of a three-day fisheries workshop centered on the development of small-scale fisheries training curriculum for future leaders, organized by the University of Liberia Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and the Liberian Fisheries Authority, NaFAA in collaboration with Duke University, FAO, and Conservation International (CI), Madam stressed that small-scale fisheries provide livelihoods for millions of people, including some of the most vulnerable populations -women, youth and Indigenous fishers.

Moreover, the Liberian Fisheries Authority Director General observed that small-skills fisheries have over the years remained in the shadows, stating that they have been underappreciated, under-documented, and under-supported, noting that “it is time we change this narrative”. Madam Glassco said by adopting the illumining hidden harvest approach, the Government commits to uncovering the full scope of small-scale fisheries to truly understand their importance, challenges, and potential. She noted this approach will enable the Fisheries Authority to make more informed decisions, to craft policies that address what she termed as the real needs of fishers, and to strengthen the resilience of the sector.

2024 HIGH: In January, NaFAA launched the Moroccan Research Vessel to conduct a fish stock assessment so as to ascertain the commercial viability of Liberia’s Fisheries Resources.

The results showed that Liberia’s Fisheries is in a pristine condition with huge potential which will result in increased revenue contribution as well as economic growth. In March, DG Glassco signed an MoU with the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO)-United Nations to conduct a regional fish stock assessment survey. In June 27, NaFAA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana in an effort to breach the knowledge gaps within the fisheries sector; which aims at designing special programs for capacity building and skills improvement to meet the industry needs. As part of the exercise, RMU will train seafarers and fishermen with modern skills thereby upgrading their professional statuses which prepares them to meet with contemporary industry. NaFAA was able to secure US$20 million OPEC Funds for International Development (OFID).

The integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project was effective on July 4,2024. In November, NaFAA signed a Technical Cooperation MoU with Egypt focusing on Aquaculture Development, Monitoring Control and Surveillance (promoting good fisheries governance) as well as Trade facilitation with an aim of enhancing private sector participation. Toward the end of the year, Liberia assumed chairmanship of the Sub-regional Fisheries Body, Fisheries Commission for Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC). This will subsequently lead to the adoption of the Monrovia Declaration in honor of the host country by regional Ministers/ Member states. The resolution focuses on harmonizing policies such as closed Fisheries season and joint regional patrols in an effort to promote good fisheries governance, reduce illegal fishing operations in the Gulf of Guinea and prevent piracy at Sea.

2024 LOW: The year under review has been a rather turbulent one for DG Glassco. Haunted by her association with the previous government, the new Unity Party government has been on her heels and aiming to get her out. Since the inception of the new regime there were a couple of protests by staff which were believed to be politically motivated as there were no instances of protests under the last six years of the Weah- led regime.

This affected the overall performance of the Institution. During the year, NaFAA also found itself in the hot seat when it was taken to court by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). The LRA initiated legal proceedings against the Fisheries body for allegedly failing to remit essential budgetary contributions and income taxes deducted from employees’ wages. Under the current fiscal year, NaFAA is obligated to contribute a total of US$1,569,888 to the 2024 National Budget, which includes US$69,888 in deducted income taxes that, under Liberian law, must be transferred to the government. Despite multiple formal communications and phone calls from the LRA and the Ministry of Justice, the Fisheries Authority reportedly ignored these reminders, leading the LRA to escalate the matter to the Tax Court at the Temple of Justice.

NaFAA stands accused of withholding the US$69,888 in income taxes, an issue that has become a significant point of contention. NaFAA has confirmed that legal action has been taken against it and stated that discussions with the LRA are currently in progress. This legal tussle comes at a time when the authority’s contribution to the national revenue has been under scrutiny, especially since the departure of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government led by President George Weah.

During Weah’s administration, it was expected that NaFAA would contribute 50% of its budget envelope annually to support the government’s development goals. However, it has come to light that under the leadership of Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, NaFAA has not made any contributions for the 2024 budget year. This failure has significantly hampered the government’s ability to fund its initiatives.

GRADE: B

2025 OUTLOOK: After bringing an entity left for dead to prominence, will DG Glassco survive another round of onslaught in the new year?

NATIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY

MANAGING DIRECTOR, Edmund Forh

THE LOWDOWN: The NTA is responsible for passenger transport services throughout Liberia. Over the past few years, however, the authority has been embroiled in massive turmoil, corruption and a wave of controversy. When the new management headed by Edmund Forh took over early in the year, there was much talk about the ghosts its predecessors left behind. In fact, Anthony Benedacious Roberts, a former Financial Comptroller at the NTA made a plea to the new management team to implement the General Auditing Commission’s audit recommendations and make individuals to account for their stewardship for the period of the audit, in an effort to tackle the fight against corruption.

The NTA, established in 2009, is responsible for providing affordable, convenient, and reliable mass transit services to the people of Liberia. Initially known as the Monrovia Transit Authority (MTA), it was formed in 1977 as a department of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to cater to the transportation needs of Monrovia residents.

During the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2015, the NTA received 20 buses as a gift from the Turkish government. However, the current management claims that they inherited only 15 operational buses from the previous government.

Prior to his ascendance to the presidency, the current President Boakai was critical of the entity, laying emphasis on the restructuring and revamping of the NTA due to multiple allegations of corruption and protestation staged by employees over the poor handling of the nation’s only public transport service. The former Managing Director Herbie T. McCauley faced numerous allegations of corruption over his handling of the NTA.

During the course of the year under review, the NTA made a lot of declarations but very few saw the light of day. In a bid to restore public confidence and improve service delivery, the new management committed itself to expediting the repair process and addressing the issue of abandoned and broken buses from previous years. The management also highlighted the importance of these measures, noting that they are critical to addressing the significant transportation challenges faced by many Liberians, a pledge that it continues to struggle with despite its good intentions. A Senate hearing during the year under review spotlighted concerns over the authority’s handling of funds, including a US$2.1 million allocation from the national budget, and the lack of transparency in its contracts and procurement processes.

2024 HIGH:  During the year under review, Managing Director Forh announced that 11 of the 26 out-of-service NTA buses had been repaired and ready to resume operations across Montserrado and three other counties. However, the authority has been unable to meet the demands of scores of Liberians looking to get from Point A to Point B. Much of the blame for the NTA’s lapses have been thrown the way of Forh’s predecessor.

2024 LOW: The NTA has been unable to fulfill a lot of its promises with the exception of the purchase of 30,000 gallons and the recalibration of the storage tank. A report by the Institute of Research and Democratic Development (IREDD) revealed during the course of the year under review that only two other promises made by the NTA are still in progress. The authority is yet to purchase assorted spare parts for additional buses, and yet to secure certified requirements of the Public Procurement Concessions Commission(PPCC) for contract agreement signed and parts pending spot inspections in India for new buses. The IREDD team also recorded that the promise to construct a corporate headquarters was overly ambitious and unattainable.

The NTA appears to be struggling to even stay afloat with a lot of buses still out of service for an extended period. Despite the significant number of buses in recent years,  the availability of these vehicles for providing affordable transportation services to the Liberian people remains scarce.

The NTA came under fire during the year when it struggled to explain a controversial arrangement that led to the arrival of some buses from Ghana.  Aayalolo is a bus rapid transit system inaugurated on November 25, 2016, in Ghana and operates in the Ghanaian capital, Accra. President Boakai dispatched a team of top government officials to inspect the two buses at the Executive Mansion.

Ambassador-at-Large Madam Cooper asserted that the bus initiative comes at a time when the Liberia National Transit Authority (NTA) is facing severe bus shortages, affecting public transport services and making it difficult for University of Liberia students to commute to and from school.

During the year, the NTA MD was entangled in reports that he was tied to the distribution of petroleum products (gasoline token) to certain individuals within the entity in a flagrant violation of the NTA employee manual. Section 8.6 of the NTA employee’s manual states: “All line managers are entitled to monthly gasoline and scratch cards with the description of quantity by the managing director.” 

Mr. Forh, in response to the corruption allegations, admitted to distributing gasoline but justified his action by saying: “I didn’t meet the other managers taking gasoline, so, I will not give them gasoline.” He told FrontPageAfrica that he didn’t meet the other managers at the entity taking gas so he will not give it to them though the NTA employees manual spelled out clearly that all managers are entitled.

GRADE: F

2025 OUTLOOK: Will the transport authority left for dead ever be resuscitated? 

LIBERIA WATER AND SEWER CORPORATION:

MANAGING DIRECTOR, Mohammed Ali

THE LOWDOWN: The LWSC was created by an Act to amend the Public Utilities Law in 1973. The Corporation is empowered to construct, install, establish, operate, manage and supply to all parts of Liberia, safe drinking water and perform all sewerage services, as well as to maintain such water and sewerage facilities The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation was created by an Act to amend the Public Utilities Law in 1973. The Corporation is empowered to construct, install, establish, operate, manage, and supply to all parts of Liberia, safely and perform all sewerage services, as well as to maintain such water and sewerage facilities.

Access to water in Liberia is a headache for scores of Liberians. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF), less than 10 percent of Liberians have access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. Securing access to safe water and adequate sanitation for all would go a long way in reducing infection, disease and death. However, Liberia’s high rates of diarrheal diseases and childhood malnutrition, as well as frequent outbreaks of cholera, show how young children suffer when they don’t have access to the basics of life.

Liberia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries with the lowest coverage of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program, as of 2020, 75.3% of the population have access to at least basic drinking water services (85.5% urban vs 64.1% rural), up almost 2% from 2017. For sanitation services, as of 2020, only 18.2% of the population have access to at least basic sanitation services (29.0% urban vs 6.4% rural). Overall, an estimated 37% of the population still practices open defecation.

Taking over the entity in March, incoming MD Mo Ali told his staffers of a desire to achieve a holistic transformation at the Public Corporation, improvement in the service delivery and the payment of salaries. Ali noted that his management will stop at nothing but ensuring that all facets, including the infrastructure and human capacities of the Corporation experience major changes.

Ali was quick to acknowledge the lapses he was inheriting at the entity. “I know things are currently not perfect at the Corporation but we all must desire to change the present conditions here”; Ali noted.

2024 HIGH: When Ali took over,the entity reported that there was irregular supply of water during the year and customers had water supply once in a while. One of his first priorities was to regularize the water supply to all of LWSC’s pipe network in Monrovia and Paynesville. “We succeeded in doing that in the first month of taking over,” he says.

A World Bank supported project is helping the LWSC extend water supply to provide access to people in Monrovia: The project supported rehabilitation and expansion of the Monrovia water distribution network. A 7.7 km express pipe laying work and construction of a 1 million Gallon Paynesville ground reservoir have been completed and transferred to LWSC.

The project provides new connections to 69,455 people and enhanced services to 62,885 people. Since March 2024, the city reservoir commenced operation after leakages were repaired; operation at the white plain water treatment plant (WPTP) has improved substantially, pumping for 12 hours in a day consistently; LWSC signed a contract for supply of chemicals and agreed with Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for a scheduled supply of power to the plant; and installed a standby generator at the plant. As a result of these improvements, LWSC has resumed supplying water to people in central Monrovia who were disconnected from the network for more than ten years.

Similarly, the LWSC is planning to provide water supply to the highly congested and underserved Westpoint area population after more than 10 years of disconnection. It also allowed LWSC to improve its service to customers downstream of the newly constructed ground reservoir at Paynesville. Improving LWSC’s capacity and operational efficiency: Support is provided to enhance LWSC’s revenue generation and management capacity through upgrading the existing system and by providing new modules to the customer management and billing.

As a result, the customer data is digitized, mobile billing and payment systems are introduced in coordination with local Banks, the billing and customer survey and feedback module are integrated. It was reported that the financial management application (quick book) has not yet been fully integrated with the utility master application. LWSC has started utilizing the utility master software effectively as a planning and monitoring tool to improve its billing and collection efficiency. It is working to complete the integration and fully institutionalize the system with the quick book financial management application.

During the year, the LWSC in collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP), uncovered an organized water theft operation involving multiple water trucks. On the night of Friday, October 11, 2024, LNP patrol officers discovered individuals believed to be water truck operators discreetly filling their tankers with LWSC water. The illegal operation took place behind the VAMOMA House, located along the Airfield New Road in Sinkor. The suspects strategically parked their trucks near LWSC pipelines and used generators and water pumps under the cover of darkness to extract treated water. It is believed that the individuals intentionally damaged the pipeline to gain unauthorized access to an unmetered supply of water, which was being used for commercial purposes. When LNP officers arrived on the scene, the suspects fled, abandoning their tankers, generators, and pumping equipment. The police impounded the vehicles and confiscated the equipment, which is now being held as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

2024 LOW: The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, LWSC has requested the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, LACC, to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the alleged bribery scandal at the House of Representatives supposedly for the removal of House speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. LWSC’s request to the LACC which was contained in an official communication is in response to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s Press Statement, dated October 21, 2024, which indicated that the LACC has been “made aware of sources of funding in the total amount of U$750,00.00 (seven hundred fifty thousand united states dollars) which was allegedly made available to lawmakers through the accounts of the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, LWSC respectively.

But in the LWSC’s official response letter under the signature of its acting managing director, Hon. T. Wilson Gaye, dated October 21,2024, and addressed to LIberia H”Alexandra Zoe, Executive chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, LACC, LWSC said, it considers this allegation as grave, and as such, realizing its magnitude and potential impact on the reputation of the corporation, “we respectfully request the LACC to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter’.

“To uphold the integrity of the Corporation and further demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability, we herewith provide bank statements of various accounts of the corporation for review by the LACC. We also wish to grant full access to the LACC in relation to all bank accounts of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation for review”; acting managing director Gaye furthered in his communication. The management reiterates its ignorance of the allegation and thereby remains hopeful of a prompt and impartial investigation by the LACC which outcome will ultimately exonerate the LWSC.

The management also sent similar communication to His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai, as well. “We thank you for your cooperation and look forward to your swift investigation of the matter,” the LWSC added through its Acting Managing Director T. Wilson Gaye.

GRADE: B-

2025 OUTLOOK: Will MD Ali the politician remove himself from politics – and the legislative saga – and focus on maintaining a strong supply of water to millions across the country in the new year?

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT CONCESSIONS COMMISSION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Bodger Scott Johnson

THE LOWDOWN: The PPCC was established to regulate all forms of public procurement and concessions, provide for institutional structures for public procurement and concessions and prescribe methods and procedures for public procurement and concessions. The commission is established as a body corporate and shall have the oversight responsibility for all public procurement and concessions in accordance with this Act. The Commission is responsible for, among other things, developing rules, instructions, regulations and related documentation on public procurement and concessions. This applies to the granting of concessions of whatever form in all sectors including, but not limited to: (a) mineral exploration and mining; (b) fishing; (c) forestry; (c) water and other utilities; (d) agriculture concessions including plantations; and (e) oil exploration and extraction.

When he took over the position last year, Executive Director Bodger Scott Johnson pledged his unflinching commitment to ensure the PPCC becomes the best integrity institution in Liberia in his discharge of duty as head of the PPCC for the next four years. “Under my leadership, my team and I here at the PPCC will ensure that this commission becomes the best integrity institution in Liberia ensuring compliance, monitoring, adequate and transparency towards reviewing procurement and concession documents, mitigating and preventing corruption in the procurement processes here at the PPCC,’ he said.

To the contrary, Johnson and his staff hands appear to have been tied by the ruling Unity Party government as several contracts have slipped under the radar without robust scrutiny of the once powerful entity. Thus, the PPCC has fallen short on a number of occasions as its objective to ensure the economic and efficient use of public funds in public procurement has been far from fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory.

2024 HIGH: During the course of the year under review,  the PPCC conducted a series of training and awareness activities to orient newly appointed officers with the structures, as well as the processes and procedures needed to be following the public procurement laws of Liberia. It has been wonderful, though at times tedious, working with over 144 entities in government to ensure they comply with their responsibility in submitting quarterly reports, procurement plans as well as other statutory requests to the Commission’s prior approvals. During 2024, the Commission achieved two major milestones; the electronic government procurement has gone live with six (6) piloted entities; while the revised PPC Act has been reviewed and updated and forwarded to the Office of the President. Over 500 public procurement practitioners and private sector users have been trained or enrolled on the new eProcurement platform and continuous training is still being organized for newly registered businesses wishing to utilize the online site. We are hopeful that the next year will reflect more positive growth in compliance even as we anticipate the enrollment of additional 50 new public procuring entities from the old offline system to the more competitive, transparent and accountable online one.

The Revision of the PPC Act The 2010 PPC Act has undergone a comprehensive review and revision, culminating in a draft with the following key provisions: a) Mandatory Use of the e-GP System: The new Act mandates the utilization of the e-GP system across all public procurement bodies, ensuring streamlined operations and transparency. b) Public Private Partnership (PPP) Provisions: New guidelines for PPPs have been included to facilitate collaboration with private entities for public projects. c) Gender-Inclusive Procurement Policies: Gender considerations have been incorporated to promote equitable access and opportunity for women in public procurement. d) Updated Concessions Framework: The concessions framework has been refined to enhance fair competition and integrity in concessions. This revised Act has been submitted to the President’s Office for review and will be forwarded to the National Legislature for approval, representing a forward-looking step in the modernization of procurement legislation.

The entity also commenced the refurbishment of its office facilities to support the operational needs brought about by the e-GP System. The updated facility will feature: ü State-of-the-Art eProcurement Workstation: This area is designed to facilitate the processing of e-GP transactions effectively. 4 ü Training Hall with 100-Person Capacity: Aimed at reducing rental costs and addressing the need for training space, this hall will serve as a venue for workshops and training essential for a seamless transition to digital procurement. Website Upgrade In 2024, the PPCC website received a major overhaul to enhance functionality and user experience. The updated website now provides: – Improved Structure and Aesthetic: The professional redesign has improved the usability and visual appeal of the website. – Centralized Information Repository: It serves as a one-stop location for accessing information on contract awards, expressions of interest (EOIs), and other government procurement activities.

With the setting up of Public Access to Procurement Data, users can conveniently view procurement data and updates, promoting transparency and public engagement.

The PPCC also announced a shift from the pilot phase of the e-GP migration to the inclusion of 50 additional MACs, compliance to procurement planning and reporting is expected to improve as it would become mandatory for all procuring entities to conduct all of their activities on the new online platform prior to the end of December 31, 2026, except in prior approved cases with logical justification. Summary Financial Report

During the year under review, the Commission received an appropriation of US$1, 519,421.24. Budgeted compensation to employees stood at US$1,019,421.24 while amount budgeted for Goods & Services in 2024 was US$500,000.00 However, during fiscal Year 2024, the Commission thus far received US$992,083.60. Personnel cost has total US$742,916.93 or 75% as of October ending, while goods and services amounted to US$249,166.67 or 25%. Total variance of budget to actual for the period January to October 2024 showed a positive variance of US$27,082.53 or represents spending in estimated personnel cost as well as goods and services during the period under review. The total received for Goods and Services has been US$249,166.67 for the period under review while the balance in appropriation is US$250,833.33 currently being processed at MFDP. Despite the numerous challenges in fiscal Year 2024, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission remains committed to achieve its core mandate as a regulator of public procurement and concessions in Liberia.

2024 LOW: A lot of unlawful transactions took place during the year under review making the once powerful procurement entity unable to do its job properly. For example, in February Bronwyn Barnes, the President and CEO of US Company High Power Exploration Inc (“HPX”), announced the signing of a letter of intent with the Government of Liberia and Robert Gumede of Guma Africa Group Ltd. The purpose of the agreement is to initiate negotiations for the ownership, design, financing, development, and operation of the Liberty Corridor connecting Guinea and Liberia.

In May, Madam Mamaka Bility, the Minister of State Without Portfolio, announced the procurement of 285 earth-moving equipment for infrastructure purposes. It was reported that the 285 machines were provided as signature fees that Robert Gumede of Guma Group agreed to pay for the exploration of the Wologizi Mountain in Lofa County. During the year under review, the Yellow Machines transaction raised eyebrows about transparency and adherence to the rule of law.  The Bility transaction surpassed US$1 million and never saw scrutiny from the PPCC. More importantly, it did not pass the smell test of Legislative approval as per the PPCC law and Revenue Law.

Also, in May, the Senate Joint Committee on Public Works and Rural Development, Public Accounts, and Audits, and Judiciary issued a report that revealed Roland Layfette Giddings, Oswald Tweh, Boima Kamara, and Bodger Scott Johnson of the Ministries of Public Works, Justice and Finance and Development Planning, and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), respectively, for blatant breaches of the PPCC law. They had granted separate road contracts totaling US$22.4 million to various companies without adhering to appropriate procurement procedures and relevant legislative protocols as well as without the approval of the 2024 national budget.

Minister Giddings defended his decision to contravene the law by asserting his authority to maintain essential road segments across the country, particularly during the rainy season. He purportedly communicated with the PPCC seeking a “No Objection” to exclusively source the rehabilitation and periodic maintenance of specified primary road corridors under the President’s 100 Days Deliverable project for Fiscal Year 2024.

The joint senate committee report disclosed that on March 11, 2024, the Executive Director of the PPCC issued and authorized the “NO OBJECTION” for the companies to carry out the contract without an approved 2024 budget. Minister Giddings even expressed regret for what he called the missteps in the entire procurement process, extending apologies on behalf of himself, the Ministers of Finance and Justice, and the executive director of the PPCC. Sadly, the National Legislature pardoned the three ministers and the director of the PPCC. The PPCC and Revenue laws of Liberia stipulate that transactions exceeding $1 million must go through a public procurement tendering process and Legislative approval.

The Boakai administration has so far failed to ensure the independence of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC).

GRADE: C

2025 OUTLOOK: Will the once powerful entity become independent in the new year? Too many “untouchable” officials did things out of the bounds of the PPCC without any repercussions.

LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINERY CORPORATION

MANAGING DIRECTOR, Amos Tweh

THE LOWDOWN: The LPRC is a state-owned entity, wholly owned by the Government of Liberia (GOL), with the mandate to procure and supply quality petroleum and petroleum related products to the Liberian market. During the course of the year under review, the LPRC, under Managing Director Amos Tweh, undertook key measures to revitalize Liberia’s oil and gas sector and alleviate the economic strain caused by the scarcity and high prices of petroleum products. These initiatives aim to reduce the cost of living for Liberians by ensuring a steady supply of affordable fuel.

At his takeover in February, MD Tweh pledged to work with relevant departments  to ensure performance, punctuality, good work ethics and high productivity. “We will place a premium on protecting company assets and utilize available resources more appropriately to facilitate the expansion of the company’s operations. We will strengthen operational and systems efficiency to adequately support preventive maintenance and ensure that vessel discharge and loading infrastructures are in their best state at all times.”

The MD pledged to work with various licensed importers and distributors to guide and protect their investments in order to uphold the company’s enviable reputational credentials and ensure the uninterrupted availability and affordability of petroleum products on the Liberian Market”, he said.

2024 HIGH: During the year under review, the  LPRC broke ground for two critical infrastructure projects at the Product Storage Terminal (PST) on Bushrod Island. The initiatives include the construction of a new gasoline storage tank with a capacity of 17,000 cubic meters and a state-of-the-art petroleum testing laboratory.

The new storage tank, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance LPRC’s total storage capacity, bringing it to approximately 64,000 metric tons. This expansion is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the petroleum market, preventing supply disruptions, and increasing revenue, which will be reinvested in further infrastructure improvements.

In addition to increasing storage capacity, the project also includes the construction of a modern petroleum testing laboratory. The facility will be integral to ensuring the quality and safety of petroleum products in Liberia, enabling LPRC to perform rigorous testing and adhere to the highest international standards.

During the year, the LPRC also announced its plans to import petroleum products into the Liberian market through an agreement with Stratcon Energy and Trading Ltd., a Ghanaian-based oil import and distribution company. The partnership, which is known as a Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA), was formalized during a signing ceremony held on Wednesday, May 8, at the Product Storage Terminal (PST) on Bushrod Island.

MD Tweh hailed the agreement as a significant moment for the company, stating, “Today is truly a remarkable day in the history of the LPRC. This is a milestone achievement since the founding of the company.”

The LPRC also signed a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Stratcom to import Petroleum Products, thereby ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products on the Liberia Market, reduced petrol pump price from 900LD to 800 (PMS) and 1000 to 800 (AGO).

The LPRC also ensured the Sustained availability of all petroleum products on the Liberian Market during the period of the past year and also reduced petroleum storage fees by 0.05 cent and the suspension of 0.20 surcharge.

The LPRC also ensured that it remitted all withholdings to government revenue and began payment of outstanding withholding taxes. Additionally, the company began the construction of a (17,000cm PMS tank) through an Eco-bank loan and began the construction of a modern laboratory to test a variety of petroleum products at no cost to LPRC.

The entity also set up and functionalized an audit recommendation implementation committee and set up and operationalized claims committee. In addition, the entity commissioned an environmental and market feasibility study of the Ganta Oil Terminal (GOT) to ensure its operationalization.

The LPRC during the year increased its dividend contribution from 900k in the last fiscal year to 4 million USD and procure a modern and IFRS compliant Asset Management Software to ensure LPRC assets are accurately accounted for and also concluded negotiations and signed a CBA with the United Worker Union to insure all employees of LPRC salaries are aligned and no employee of LPRC makes below the minimum salary of their grade.

The entity ensured quarterly financial reports are timely presented • Commissioned an audit of the LPRC before taking over. (Financial and Personnel Audits) and reviewed its procurement manual to ensure it conforms to regulations of the PPCC guidelines. • Review LPRC Accounting Manual to ensure it conforms with IFRS standards.

One of the most significant decisions by Tweh’s administration was the cancellation of the controversial MEDTECH pre-shipment inspection process for petroleum products. “MEDTECH’s operations were not beneficial to the government or consumers,” Tweh explained. In addition, the surcharge on petroleum products was removed, which had an immediate effect on lowering the pump prices of fuel. Gasoline prices dropped from US$4.47 per gallon to US$3.98, and diesel from US$5.22 to US$4.18, bringing much-needed relief to citizens.

LPRC is also preparing to enter the lubricants market, partnering with international suppliers to import high-grade products. “We will not be retailing these products directly but will ensure they are available in the market through strategic partnerships,” Tweh said.

2024 LOW: During the year the LPRC was forced to address reports of fuel and gasoline shortages in the country. Murmurs in some quarters suggested an acute petroleum shortage on the market thus making it difficult for the citizenry to commute and do business. The entity moved to allay those fears, describing the Information as malicious, untrue, and unfounded aimed at creating panic among citizens.

In March, President Boakai issued an Executive Order to reduce the cost of petroleum products by 20 cents to alleviate the cost of living. However, petroleum dealers claim that the current price imposed by the Ministry of Commerce is having an adverse effect on their business and may hamper their ability to import more products into the country.

The President’s move was preceded by allegations that gasoline traders were hoarding prices. Motorists made noise after experiencing long queues at some filling stations around Monrovia. Some gas stations like Aminata restricted the selling of petrol to only customers with coupons while PetroTrade and Connex claimed they were out of stock. This situation is reminiscent of a similar occurrence at the beginning of the Weah-led government, which degenerated into an acute shortage that heavily impacted citizens and the economy. Some retailers blamed the scarcity on the coercion by importers and dealers of petroleum products who have been negotiating with the Joseph Boakai-led government to institute an increment in the retail price of gasoline and diesel, but to no avail.

GRADE: B+

2025 OUTLOOK: How will the plan to enter the lubricants market play out in the new year?

LIBERIA PETROLEUM REGULATORY AUTHORITY

DIRECTOR GENERAL, Marilyn Logan

THE LOWDOWN: The LPRA is the premier regulatory body for the petroleum sector in Liberia, dedicated to overseeing, regulating, and licensing petroleum operations. We create a transparent, accountable, and investor-friendly environment that fosters responsible exploration and production activities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative policies, and robust regulatory frameworks, LPRA aims to position Liberia as a competitive and attractive destination for petroleum investment, ensuring that the benefits of our resources contribute to the long-term prosperity of all Liberians.

When President Joseph Boakai tipped Marilyn Logan as the new Director General for the LPRA, she vowed to rebrand and make the institution viable policy driven when confirmed to the position. 

At her confirmation hearing in March, Logan assured Senators and the Liberian people that she intends to open up the LPRA to the public and will ensure that the oil and gas sector is revitalized and attractive. She also noted that the institution will maintain its credibility and independence under her watch in order to maintain public trust and confidence.

Entering the fray with an aim to maximize public-private sector engagement geared to strengthen the oil and gas sector and not only to merely attract investors,” Logan expressed the hope that the LPRA will incorporate Liberians with expertise in the oil and gas sector to help in revamping the institution in a way that will attract interests and trust.

2024 HIGH: During the year under review, the LPRA showcased Liberia’s hydrocarbon potential during Direct Negotiations at the prestigious Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston Texas. The OTC, a gathering of global energy professionals and business executives, provided an ideal platform for promoting the Liberian basin and its upcoming licensing round. In separate meetings with oil and gas business executives and leaders of oil & gas regulatory agencies from Ghana and Nigeria, DG Logan highlighted Liberia’s new and mutually beneficial fiscal regime for oil and gas concessions. “Liberia is ready for a new round of Direct Negotiation, and our administration is committed to ensuring a transparent process that yields mutually beneficial outcomes for Liberia and its partners,” Ms. Logan stated. She emphasized the Joseph Boakai Administration’s commitment to high ethical standards and responsible business practices and provided detailed information on the LPRA’s new streamlined investment process to business leaders that expressed interest in Liberia.

The LPRA also participated in the Offshore Technology Conference and the Africa Energies Summit where it underscores its commitment to revitalizing its oil and gas industry, leveraging networking opportunities, increasing the country’s visibility, and actively engaging with industry leaders and other regulators. The OTC and AES conferences are invaluable forums for generating and exchanging innovative solutions and building consensus on pressing topics facing the offshore energy sector. Both forums provide a platform to showcase offshore potential. The meetings and presentations of the Director General and the Deputy Director General and the relationships forged at both conferences are essential steps to attracting responsible operators to the Liberian basin for exploration activities.  

2024 LOW: While Liberia has offered concessionary offshore oil blocks for bidding and direct negotiation in recent years, few companies have expressed serious interest despite the discovery of offshore oil in neighboring Cote d’Ivoire. The LPRA still remains hopeful. The authority is however hampered due to the fact that Liberia does not have a functioning refinery. All petroleum products are imported from abroad.

The sector suffered an image dilemma when Prince Arthur Eze, no stranger to controversy in Liberia entered his name in the fray for oil blocks in Liberia. Ironically, Eze’s past dealings with Liberia’s oil sector have been marred by accusations of exploitation during the country’s transition from civil war to peace. In 2010, Eze sold three offshore oil blocks to Chevron Corporation for $150 million, netting a personal profit of $200 million. According to Global Witness, the London-based watchdog, these oil blocks were acquired with minimal fees through what were described as bribes to legislative officials.

With the renewed call from NOCAL’s CEO, Eze has again expressed interest in acquiring oil blocks, including Blocks 15, 16, 22, and 24, which Exon Mobil applied for prequalification, according to the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The Liberia License Round, 2020 comprises nine blocks in the highly prospective Harper Basin. The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) has pre-qualified Seven (7) Liberian Companies.

GRADE: C

2025 OUTLOOK: There’s always concerns that the LPRA and the National Oil Company of Liberia are the same. Which is it? Clarity might be needed in the new year.

NATIONAL INVESTMENT COMMISSION

CHAIRMAN, Jeff Bante Blibo

THE LOWDOWN: The NIC is the oversight agency to screen and monitor investments in Liberia. The Investment Act and Revenue Code mandate that only Liberian citizens may operate businesses in the following sectors and industries. The Investment Act also sets minimum capital investment thresholds for foreign investors in other business activities, industries, and enterprises.

2024 HIGH: During the course of the year under review,  the NIC expressed its commitment to positioning Liberia as a leading investment destination. Despite operating under financial constraints, NIC reported significant strides in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and building critical international partnerships.

Under the leadership of Chairman Jeff Bante Blibo, NIC conducted international investment missions to China, the USA, Canada, and South Korea, showcasing Liberia’s investment potential. Key events included the Liberia Investment Conference and Liberia-Canada Investment Forum. Overall, the NIC has attracted over 521 investors interested in sectors like agriculture, energy, mining, and infrastructure. NIC also signed several landmark agreements, including a $3.1 billion MoU during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The NIC also advanced negotiations on critical agreements such as the ArcelorMittal Liberia Third Amendment and HPX Access Agreement, Putu Iron Ore Mining, and Western Cluster Limited, paving the way for increased foreign direct investment and infrastructural development.

Collaborations with international stakeholders such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and African Development Bank enabled the NIC to implement impactful projects and foster capacity-building initiatives.

During the year under review, the NIC identified vast opportunities to continue driving Liberia’s economic growth: Promoting investments in agriculture, energy, mining, and IT services; Leveraging international forums to attract quality investments; Revitalizing dormant mining projects like Putu Iron Ore and exploring critical infrastructure ventures such as the Bomboja port construction in Grand Cape Mount County.

2024 LOW: Despite its achievements, the NIC faced significant obstacles. For now, more than 80% of the allocated budget was spent on employee compensation, limiting funds for promotional and operational activities. High rental costs and outdated vehicles constrained mobility and efficiency, and several mining concessions remain dormant, requiring additional support to engage transaction advisors for renegotiations.

The NIC also came under scrutiny during the course of the year under review over a reported plan by the government to hire a Turkish-based company, Albayrak Group, for the renovation of Roberts International Airport (RIA). The Company is said to be linked to former Guinean President Alpha Conde. Former President Conde reportedly has a concession deal with the Management of Albayrak Group. He is said to have communicated with President Joseph N. Boakai to award the RIA renovation contract to the Turkish Company.

Circumstances under which the deal is being discussed might have security implications on Liberia as the Guinean Military Leader Doumbouya may feel indifferent if such a contract is awarded to the Turkish company, which is linked to ousted President Conde.

Investigation also reveals that Senate President Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, James K. Mulbah, General Manager of RIA, and Board Chair of the RIA, Mr. Massaquoi Kamara, are said to be the forerunners of the deal. At the same time, RIA Board Chairman, Mr. Kamara is reportedly at loggerhead with Transport Minister, Sirleaf Tyler.

The tension between the two public officials follows opposition to the deal by Minister Tyler.  In an effort to ensure that the deal is consummated, the National Investment Commission (NIC) has requested President Boakai to constitute the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC).

A letter dated November 20, 2024, and addressed to President Boakai, the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Jeff B. Blibo wants the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC) to address the financing and redevelopment of the Roberts International Airport (RIA). “As you are aware, financing the operations of the airport has been a significant challenge,” the letter stated. It added that the Board of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has decided to contract the services of a private sector to invest the capital required to resuscitate the airport and bring it up to a modern facility.

Blibo reportedly informed the President that the potential developer will be required to enter into a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement, following which the airport will be turned over to the Government of Liberia. “To move forward with this initiative, the relevant approvals such as the LAA Board’s approval, issuance of the Concession Certificate by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Public Procurement and Concession Commission No Objection to proceed with a competitive process- been received,” Blibo stated.

The NIC boss stressed that to ensure the conduct of the procurement process in compliance with Section 81(3g) of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) of 2010, the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC) is crucial to oversee and facilitate this process.

GRADE: B

2025 OUTLOOK: The NIC remains committed to its mission of driving sustainable economic growth. To achieve this, it is essential to secure increased financial and operational support to enhance its capacity for investment promotion, concession management, and infrastructure development. As Liberia continues to unlock its investment potential, the NIC will play a critical role in fostering a dynamic and competitive environment for businesses to thrive.

LIBERIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY

DIRECTOR GENERAL, Julius Dennis

THE LOWDOWN: The LCAA is tasked with providing for the regulation and promotion of civil aviation in Liberia, to foster its safe and orderly development. At the start of the year, DG Julius Dennis expressed a commitment to immediately embark on a course of actions aimed at addressing and mitigating these anomalies with a high degree of urgency.

Dennis’s short-term initiatives aimed to focus on achieving the 100 days deliverables as outlined in the Cluster Working Group (CWG) final report on the LCAA, prioritizing addressing the Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) as highlighted in the 2022 ICAO USOAP CMA Audit results, and equally important is the acquisition of the Automatic Weather Observation Station (AWOS). Every effort will be made to ensure full compliance to meet minimum acceptable ICAO Standards, and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in the shortest possible time.

His medium to long-term objectives aimed at fulfilling requirements led to the re-opening of the Aircraft Registry at the LCAA. Working in collaboration with the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), the Executive Branch, The Ministry of Transport and all other relevant airports, facilitation stakeholders (LNP, Immigration, etc.). We will strive to effect a transformational change at the Roberts International Airport, to significantly improve operational functionality, provide superior customer services to give the travelling public a more pleasant and cordial airport experience, that which we are all yearning for.  

During the course of the year, Dennis and his team sought to provide enhanced quality in service and productivity by providing innovative technical regulatory supervision geared towards the promotion of a safe civil aviation sector as well as place high value in fostering teamwork, training and continuous improvement in the level of professionalism commensurate with ICAO’s standards.

2024 HIGH: During the year under review, the LCAA  announced the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines’ inaugural flight to Liberia. The historic flight landed at the Roberts International Airport on today, November 30, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s aviation industry. The commencement of Ethiopian Airlines’ service to Liberia will undoubtedly enhance connectivity; facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange between the two nations. This new route will provide numerous opportunities for economic growth and development for both countries.

In October, Liberia made significant strides in its international aviation cooperation efforts, signing multiple agreements and securing partnerships at the International Civil Aviation Air Service Negotiations Event (ICAN2024) in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.

Key Agreements and Partnerships included a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia: Liberia and Malaysia signed an MoU to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in civil aviation safety, security, and training; Memorandum of Understanding with Togo: The two countries signed a MoU to improve aviation safety and efficiency; Air Service Agreement with Saudi Arabia: Liberia and Saudi Arabia signed an air service agreement to facilitate increased flight operations and boost tourism and trade; Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Qatar: Liberia and Qatar agreed to renew and update their existing BASA, with an official signing ceremony scheduled for Doha in early January 2025; Potential Partnership with Emirates Airlines: The LCAA held productive discussions with Emirates Airlines to explore potential future collaborations; Ethiopian Airlines Launch: Liberia and Ethiopia finalized a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for Ethiopian Airlines to commence operations in Liberia in late November 2024 and a potential Cooperation with Jamaica: Liberia and Jamaica discussed potential aviation cooperation opportunities.

At the signing, DG Dennis indicated that “these agreements are a testament to Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its international aviation partnerships and promoting economic growth. We look forward to the benefits these collaborations will bring to our nation”.

During the year the LCAA has taken significant strides toward resolving critical safety concerns raised in recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits. The training, which was launched on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Royal Ambassador Hotel in Joe Blow Town, Unification City, Margibi County, designed to address issues identified in the Air Navigation Service (ANS) area, particularly relating to Liberia’s instrument flight procedures.

The LCAA also concluded its participation in the 14th Air Navigation Conference (ANC) in Montreal, Canada. The conference, held under the theme “Performance Improvement Driving Sustainability,” brought together aviation leaders from around the world to discuss key industry issues. The delegation from the LCAA consisted of its Director General, Julius D. Dennis, Jr., Deputy Director General for Technical Services, Atty. Augustine Tamba and Raphael Tarr, Director, Air Navigation Services.

During the conference, the LCAA met with representatives from the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), securing commitments for technical, financial, and human resource development support. These collaborations will strengthen Liberia’s aviation sector and align it with international standards.

The LCAA also engaged with civil aviation authorities from South Africa and Rwanda, agreeing to formalize Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASAs). These agreements will facilitate cooperation and collaboration between the countries.

During the year under review, the LCAA convened the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) on August 22, 2024, at the LCAA’s headquarters in Harbel, Margibi County. The committee was established by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. as part of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for the state to be in full compliance. In the 2022 ICAO audit, Liberia scored low marks because of its failure to constitute this committee. 

During the meeting, the LCAA presented its vision for the NCASC, outlining its role in developing and implementing a comprehensive civil aviation security plan. The committee also discussed potential areas of collaboration and identified key priorities for the coming months.

2024 LOW: During the course of the year under review, questions lingered over the role the LCAA played in the extradition of Ibrahim Khalil Cherif, a Guinean national the Junta government believes was on a mission to recruit former rebels of LURD. Cherif was arrested just days prior to the arrival of commandos at the Roberts International Airport. It remains unclear who gave the order for the flight to land. Cherif’s arrest was already causing anger, with some Muslim groups saying that they could not understand why he was arrested. Many began to fear that Cherif had been picked up by security and turned over to the Guinean commandos and killed.

The extradition drew ire from Cllr. Kabineh J’aneh. Cllr. J’aneh, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, also a former member of LURD, went a step further and accused the Unity Party government of “kidnapping” Cherif, his client. Cllr. J’aneh alleges that Cherif’s current whereabouts are unknown. According to Ja’neh, there is suspicion that Cherif may have been handed over to Guinean authorities without due legal process. The arrest raised diplomatic tensions between Liberia and Guinea, with Guinea accusing Liberia of harboring individuals intent on destabilizing its leadership.

The LCAA never fully explained who gave the order for the flight to touch down.

GRADE: B-

2025 OUTLOOK: Will the LCAA be more transparent in the coming year regarding matters of extradition?

LIBERIA LAND AUTHORITY

CHAIRMAN, Atty. J. Adams Manobah

THE LOWDOWN: The LLA is a product of the policy, legal and institutional reform of the land sector of Liberia led by the Erstwhile Land Commission. The LLA, established by an Act of the National Legislature on October 6, 2016, as an autonomous agency of the Government with operational independence, subsumes land functions that were performed by several agencies of the Government, including the key land administration agencies – Department of Lands, Survey and Cartography of the former Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME), now the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Deeds and Titles Registry of the Center for National Documents Records Agency (CNDRA), and functions of County Land Commissioners from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Liberia has been plagued with lingering issues around land and natural resources, key elements deemed as central to peace, prosperity, and reconstruction. In the aftermath of the civil wars, (1989-1997, 1999-2003) – fueled in part by conflicts over land and natural resource rights and funded with timber and diamonds—the country underwent a long comprehensive reform period that resulted in the Land Rights Act of 2018. The new land law is celebrated as a milestone in the whole region, promoting equitable access to land and resources, tenure security, investment, and development. However, some of the main land issues in Liberia today are the displacement of local communities related to government land concessions for logging, mining, and large-scale agriculture; urban poverty; and women’s land rights.

Over the course of the year under review, the LLA explored drone technology aimed at enhancing its land surveying capabilities. In collaboration with the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority through ILAMP to procure a state-of-the-art drone, drones procured aimed at modernizing land administration practices and efficient and accurate land surveying processes in the country.

2024 HIGH: During the year under review,the LLA commenced the implementation of Customary Land Formalization in Sixty (60) communities across five (5) counties as Local Authority and Joint Security in B’Hai Administrative District celebrate government intervention.

The LLA with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and support from UNDP also undertook a Customary Land Formalization (CLF) activity in Sixty (60) customary communities across five counties, namely, Grand Gedeh, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Bomi Counties.

The activities which began in Grand Gedeh County (Southeastern Liberia), witnessed great excitement from the local authority, joint security, traditional leaders, chiefs, women and youth groups of B’Hai Administrative District, after four Clans (Tian Dougee, Marbo #1, B’Hai Nicko and Duo Clans), received Community-Self Identification (CSI) Certificates after the completion of activities required for CSI Certificate. The community land deed is the power and authority of the community. Because the protection of our land is the protection of the future of the next generation” Chief Robert Pah, Paramount Chief, Tarwan Chiefdom, B’Hai Administrative District.

The LLA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the PeaceBuilding Fund (PBF) of the United Nations, trained members of the Customary Land Development and Management Committee (CLDMC) and Local Government Authority (LGA) including Paramount Chiefs, Clan Chiefs, Town Chiefs, and other stakeholders in the land sector.

The training was part of the activities of a newly approved three years project “Enhancing Peace and Social Cohesion through the Promotion of Equitable Access to and Use of Land for Rural Women in Conflict-Prone Communities and Concession”. It was designed to build the capacity of CLDMCs and local actors across the project catchment communities as they carry out their various roles, responsibilities, and functions as enshrined in the Land Rights Act of 2018. 

The training conducted in February in Grand Cape Mount County covered three of the five project counties, namely, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, and Nimba. The aim is to ensure that County land offices, county land boards, and CLDMCs have the capacity and knowledge of procedures, and systems needed to undertake boundary harmonization and formalization of customary land at the community level, to prevent conflict, ensure peaceful coexistence and respond to the needs of communities including women, youth, and vulnerable groups by creating equal access to land for communities.

Also during the year, thousands of residents, including local authority, traditional leaders, senior elders, and women and youth groups in Fesibu Community expressed great joy after the LLA through USAID-Liberia funded-Land Management Activity (LMA) Project, issued Fesibu community its Statutory Land Deed after the successful completion of the steps and processes required for Customary Land Formalization (CLF) as enshrined in the Land Rights Act (LRA) of 2018. The colorful event which was held in Zorzor City brought together high-level representatives from the LLA, LMA, USAID-Liberia, Local County Authority, Traditional Leaders, Women and Youth groups, Students, and hundreds of community dwellers.

2024 LOW: A 2024 Freedom House report highlighted during the course of the year under review that conflicts over land remain common and many originated during the civil wars and subsequent displacement and resettlement. Others are the result of opaque concession agreements. Judicial backlogs limit the opportunity for legal redress.

According to the report, the 2018 Land Rights Act (LRA) formalized community ownership of ancestral land. However, the Liberia Land Authority lacks the capacity to deal with emerging disputes. The LRA offers greater land rights for women, but customary practices that prevail in much of Liberia disadvantage women on issues such as inheritance of land and land ownership after divorce.

During the year, the LLA came under fire when delegates at the 2024 National Land Conference called on the Land Authority to speed up the issuance of deeds to customary communities. Dozens of communities have completed the required process to obtain a customary land deed under the Land Rights Act but are yet to get their titles. Out of some 150 communities, only 36 have received their deeds since the creation of the law in 2018, according to available figures. “There is a need to fast-track the formalization of customary land in Liberia, and grant their deeds after the Ganta conference,” said James Yarsiah, the chief organizer of the conference, the second in two years. “Deeds are taking too long to process, the cost is too high, and donors are getting concerned,” Yarsiah added.  

The conference seeks to review the implementation of the Land Rights Act, which is hailed worldwide but has faced enforcement challenges. The Land Rights Act guarantees customary land ownership but requires rural communities to complete a legal process.

During the year, the LLA was forced to refute a claim by Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), suggesting the government had settled a boundary dispute between two communities in Sinoe County. In a recent report to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which regulates the oil palm industry worldwide, GVL claimed the Land Authority had “decided” on the conflict between the Du-Wolee Nyennue Township and the Numopoh District. “The communication session on the result to both communities will be [carried] out in [the fourth quarter] of 2024 with new government officials,” GVL said in the report.

The year also saw heightening tension in Todee, Montserrado District #1, as villagers in Jocko and Beaseto accused Bong County Senator, Prince K. Moye of acquiring ancestral lands under questionable conditions. The land dispute, stretching back to 2018, has left many families reportedly uncompensated and struggling to survive. The conflict highlights broader issues of land rights, fair compensation, and accountability among Liberia’s rural communities. Critics took issue with the LLA’s silence on the matter. For generations, the people of Jocko and Beaseto have lived and farmed on these lands, deeply connected to their culture and livelihood. However, villagers claim they were pressured by Moye’s authority to vacate, leading to the loss of property, income, and self-sufficiency.

According to Liberia’s Land Rights Act of 2018, communities with continuous use of land have ownership rights without formal deeds. “This is all we have,” said Momoh F. Diana, a resident of Marquoi Clan, voicing a collective plea for justice.

GRADE: C

2025 OUTLOOK: A lingering issue that just won’t go away. Will the coming year be any different for landowners, squatters and rights advocates?

NATIONAL PORT AUTHORITY

MANAGING DIRECTOR, Sekou A.M. Dukuly

THE LOWDOWN: The National Port Authority (NPA) was established by an Act of National Legislature in 1967 and amended in 1970 as a state-owned corporation to manage, plan, and build all public ports in Liberia. The NPA system comprises four ports: Freeport of Monrovia, Port of Buchanan, Port of Greenville, and Port of Harper although in recent weeks, during the course of the year under review, there was a serious push to wrestle authority away from the NPA. The Freeport of Monrovia is the largest within the Authority’s network. The harbor at the Freeport of Monrovia is protected by two rock breakwaters approximately 2,300 meters and 2,200 meters long, enclosing a basin of 300 hectares of protected water.

Upon taking over the port at the start of the year, New MD Sekou Dukuly vowed to restore the NPA to its pre-war status. “Maximizing productivity is crucial to the restoration and vibrancy of the NPA,” Dukuly proclaimed. Speaking when he officially took office in February, Mr. Dukuly promised to create opportunities for the improvement of revenue generation and make employees’ welfare paramount, rallying them to put in more effort on the job.

Despite Dukuly’s pledge, the most pressing issue at the port in the past year was the passage of a bill in the Senate to establish an Independent Seaport and Inland Ports Regulatory Authority, aimed at promoting sustainable development and regulation of port operations across the country. The bill, still awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives, seeks to enhance the regulation of Liberia’s seaports and inland ports, ensuring safer, more transparent, and orderly operations. It also aims to support the sustainable development of port facilities and services. The Senate’s decision followed recommendations from its Joint Committee on Public Corporations and Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims, and Petitions. 

The NPA MD has been at loggerheads with supporters of the bill, in particular, Senate Pro Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Senator Abraham Darius Dillon who are looking to gain the upper hand in bringing investors to revamp the port of Buchanan.

The bill has since been greeted with skepticism and criticism. Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Findley argued that the proposed legislation fails to address Liberia’s port management challenges and advocated instead for privatization. The controversial bill, which seeks to grant autonomy to Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper seaports, now heads to the House of Representatives for concurrence. “I don’t support autonomy; I support privatization of the ports,” said Findley. “Privatization would allow individuals to purchase shares and take control, as opposed to having it remain under government control,” Senator Findley noted.

2024 HIGH: During the course of the year under review, the NPA commenced the disbursement of live checks to over 2,000 employees and contractors in an initiative aimed at impacting personnel at the ports of Monrovia, Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, Harper in Maryland County, and Greenville in Sinoe County. The exercise was geared towards eliminating non-existent or ghost names from the payrolls to  ensure an accurate and transparent compensation system.
MD Dukuly also announced that the gateway to Liberia made a budgetary contribution of US$2 million to Liberia’s general revenue account after five months of operations under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.  Making the pronouncement in June at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, NPA MD Dukuly, stressed that the US$2 million contribution is just a beginning, affirming that the NPA will make a similar contribution to the national revenue envelope of Liberia after every five months.

Dukuly, who displayed a symbolic check, said the current contribution by the NPA management is far more than the US$4 million which was contributed by authorities of the port in six years under the past CDC government. “Let me say to you, that NPA as the gateway to our economy will do everything possible to support our economy, “Dukuly said. He disclosed that the total revenue generated from all ports across the country over the past five months is US$13 million.

At the start of the year, MD Dukuly, in a FrontPageAfrica interview sought to address the cost of shipping containers to Liberia which is at an all-time high for many Liberians either looking to move home or bring in containers for business. Dukuly acknowledged that the dilemma facing scores of Liberians, will be high on his agenda as he assumes command of the port. “I am particularly aware of the challenges and bottlenecks at the NPA. I have shipped things quite too many times, especially my car, personal belongings, and furniture. I know how stressful it was to clear those things from the port,” Dukuly told FrontPageAfrica Monday.

In the latter part of the year, the NPA and Morocco’s ports management firm, Marsa Maroc, signed an agreement aimed at transforming the Liberian port infrastructure into a regional hub. The strategic partnership, signed on Tuesday, November 14, 2024, seeks to modernize and develop the West African country’s port infrastructure. The signing marked an important step in the cooperation between the two parties and strengthened Marsa Maroc’s presence in the West African market, following its contract to operate the Port of Cotonou in Benin. This partnership is also part of Liberia’s efforts to revitalize its port facilities, a key sector for the country’s economic development.

2024 LOW: The National Port Authority (NPA) in Liberia has announced that it is currently investigating an alleged incident involving the unauthorized removal of a consignment of rice from its facility. The management of the NPA has stated that they are aware of the situation and are taking immediate action to address the issue. A press conference has been scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2024, where the NPA will provide further details and findings from the ongoing investigation. The NPA has assured the media and the general public that the probe will be conducted impartially and that all individuals involved in the incident will be prosecuted according to the findings of the investigation.

Additionally, the NPA has emphasized that the Managing Director and the entire leadership team will not be subject to any form of blackmail. The Managing Director is fully committed to implementing structural reforms at the FreePort of Liberia to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

With just three days into 2024, the gateway to Liberia’s economy, the National Port Authority appears to be partly strangulated with the shutting down of major activities within the port facilities.

The decision by the Customs Brokers and National Truckers Association, if continued, will greatly affect the revenue envelope of the country. Speaking during day one of its joint official protest action, the President of the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia, James Hinneh, said the continuous barriers to trade in the country are unacceptable.

According to him, the alleged enforcement of a new policy instituted by the National Port Authority is untimely and unfortunate. The new alleged policy, among other things, he stated, puts an additional bill on each and every container leaving the port facility through the weighbridge.

This, he noted, is unrealistic, especially with the unstable amount currently charged per ton and container, respectively. He also alleged that even if a truck passes the weighbridge but has a normal weight, the amount of $10 USD will be paid, apart from all other previous and agreed expenses; this, he said, is unfair. “We should have had meetings, discussed this issue in depth and agreed upon as one body to ensure effective implementation, but not as abruptly as was done,” he blasted. Moreover, the law he indicated states that before the enforcement of any policy, publication should have been done for at least three months to notify their clients and other key stakeholders in the sector, something he said was not done.

Mr. Hinneh stressed that they will remain engaged and in a non-violent manner and form but at the same time very resolute until the right and needful can be done by the duty bearers. “Our unending protest will continue even though it will directly and indirectly affect the general populace, but we have to do this in order for the right and proper thing to be done,” he maintained.

GRADE: D

2025 OUTLOOK: Will President Boakai put pen to paper and sign off on the controversial to establish an independent seaport and inland regulatory authority? How will the NPA survive with limited powers and control?

LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Monie Captan

THE LOWDOWN: The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is a public utility created by the Government of the Republic of Liberia in 1973 through an act of Legislature with a mandate to produce and supply economic and reliable electric power to the entire nation. The entity was simultaneously tasked with maintaining the corporation’s financial viability and ensure that efficient, reliable, and affordable electric power is available to all Liberians.

Despite the LEC’s mandate, electricity access is low. In Liberia’s urban areas only 34%  of the population have access to power while in rural areas it is almost 0%.Around 21% of total electricity production came from renewable energy sources in 2010.  Liberia has the potential to further develop its wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy resources.The country aims to generate 75% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.  Formal electricity services are solely provided by the state-owned LEC which operates a small grid almost exclusively in the Greater Monrovia District. The vast majority of electric energy services are provided by small privately owned generators. At $0.54 per kWh, the electricity tariff in Liberia is among the highest in the world.

As the supply of cheap, stable and affordable electricity remains a challenge in post-conflict Liberia, Monie Captan, the departed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LEC, during the year under review, recommended the purchasing of electricity from any source as one of the best ways forward to address the situation.

Despite the expenditure of nearly a billion United States dollars to revive Liberia’s shattered energy sector that was destroyed as a result of the 14 years civil conflict, the supply of stable electricity remains far from coming to fruition. This makes the LEC, the public utility corporation responsible for ensuring the generation, supply and transmission of electricity to households and businesses, the most heavily criticized public service delivery entity in the country.

The situation caught the attention of members of the Senate Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment headed by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Simeon Taylor. Speaking when he appeared for public hearing before the committee at the Capitol Building on Monday, March 18, Mr. Captan admitted that Liberia is currently faced with an “energy crisis.”

2024 HIGH: After much-publicized political pressure, Captan bade fare thee well to the LEC as his contract as LEC CEO, expired on November 30, 2024.

Captan’s reign was filled with challenges. Taking over from a foreign management company, ESBI International from Ireland, which was financed by both the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the World Bank, ESBI, under the support of management reforms and technical assistance, competitively recruited a senior management resource pool, from where a successor management team of Liberians was selected, trained, and mentored, thus reintroducing a merit-based system to hiring. Along with this team, Captan assumed management of LEC in July 2022, and I am proud to report that this is one of the most professional teams I have worked with and is well capable of continuing the management of LEC.

Captan took over at a time when only three out of four turbines at Mt. Coffee were functional, while all the thermal generators at Bushrod were down for maintenance and repairs. As a result, the national grid relied on only 3 hydro units which were only available mainly in the rainy season. “Our first action was to repair all the thermal units and get them up and running. We accomplished this task at a cost of over $2m and restored all the HFO units thus adding 28MW of installed capacity to our generation supply,” Captan told his final news conference at the end of his tenure.

According to Captan, in 2022, LEC supplied 275,426MWH of energy, which increased to 464,993MWH in 2023, and as of October 2024 energy supply had already reached 430,344 with a projection of over 520,000MWH by the end of 2024. Thus from 2023 to 2024, energy supply will increase by 88.79%. This supply of energy has been a critical driver of socio-economic growth and has positively impacted on manufacturing, education, health, and overall quality of life in our homes.

At the end of 2022, commercial losses were reported at 41.3%, which decreased to 31.4% in 2023, and which further decreased to 27.5% by October 2024. Thus from 2022 to October 2024, commercial losses have decreased by a total of 33.4%. This achievement was realized through a cocktail of innovative interventions – the establishment of the Anti-Power Task Force, robust metering and regularization of illegal consumers, regular onsite meter audits and vigorous monitoring of large customers, and a more robust responsive meter maintenance team.

In 2022, LEC earned a total of $24,000,000, which increased to $54,660,000 in 2023, and $56,610,000 by October 2024, with a projected revenue of $68,000,000 by the end of 2024. Thus, from 2022 to 2024, revenue will increase by 183%. However, energy supply costs have increased with the decreasing proportion of hydropower from Mt. Coffee. The geographical span of the national grid has also grown significantly, resulting in increasing operating costs. The expansion of the grid across transmission, distribution and generation, the increase in the number of customers, and the increase in energy imports, have all led to additional demands for more staff, vehicles, specialized equipment, tools, spare parts and equipment, customer outlets, IT equipment and software, and consumables. Prudent fiscal management is therefore a critical requirement for the company’s sustainability.

In 2022, LEC net loss was US$27.2 million which decreased to $18.3 million in 2023 and is expected to further decrease to about $11 million in December 2024. The corporation estimates that it will break even in the next two years subject to several assumptions, including restoration of Mt. Coffee Unit 1 turbine, commissioning of the new 20MW solar power plant, government payment of energy bills and further reduction in commercial losses.

Since the inception of power import from CIE/CI Energies through the CLSG Transmission line, LEC has been billed $32,499,334 for energy imported, of which the amount of $27,116,114 has been paid as of October 2024 leaving an outstanding balance of $5,383,224. Additionally, LEC has also been billed by Transco CLSG a total of $9,425,267 for transmission charges, of which $8,314,034 has been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of $1,111,233.

As of September 30, 2024, the balance on the Cross-Border HTA legacy debt was US$10,672,550. This amount is owed CIE in part by the Government of Liberia, and the operators of the distribution networks in Nimba, Bong, Maryland, Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties. This debt was rescheduled over a three-year payment period agreed with the Ivorian authorities.

2024 LOW: As part of efforts to crack down on power theft which usually leads to the destruction of lives and properties, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) retrieved a stolen brand new 100KVA transformer in the Township of West Point in Monrovia. The transformer was retrieved by the LEC Investigative Team headed by James Doeway and officers of the Liberia National Police on Monday, November 25.

A major problem confronting the LEC is the government’s failure to pay its debt. The GoL is the largest consumer of the electricity supplied by LEC, which accounts for approximately 14% of all energy sold. Currently, the government is indebted to LEC in the amount of $18,975,049 as of October 31, 2024. The LEC management and the Board of Directors have engaged the government through the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to ensure that beginning 2025, budgetary allocations will be made to pay for the energy consumption of each government entity through prepay metering service. The payment of energy bills by the government will improve LEC’s capacity to pay for energy imports and the maintenance of its electrical network, thus improving service delivery to the general public.

In 2022, LEC total customer base stood at 199,441 customers, which increased to 282,505 in 2023, and by October 2024 had reached a total of 306,433 customers. Thus, LEC customer base increased from 2022 to October 2024 by 53.6%.

To complement the support of Donor Partners, LEC for the first time in post – war Liberia committed a portion of its revenue annually to connect households in unserved communities. Under its Gap Communities Electrification Project, LEC financed the connection of 9974 households across nineteen unserved communities to the grid at $5.2M. Some of these communities had no electricity since the end of the war, and others from before the war. Beneficiary communities include Zeon Town, Iron Factory, Wanwosu, Virginia Red Hill Field, Brewerville Store, New Jerusalem Johnsonville etc. LEC is continuing its GCEP into its 5th Cycle with the connection of 1039 households in Paynesville and Bardnersville at an additional cost of $630,000.

The General Auditing Commission (GAC) commenced audit of LEC on July 30, 2024, for the period 2018 to 2023. The audit is ongoing and will be published once completed. Concurrently, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) is auditing LEC for the period 2021 to 2022. This audit is ongoing and will be published once completed.

GRADE: B

2025 OUTLOOK: All eyes on President Boakai and his inner circle politically driven interim management team to see if they can solve the electricity crisis in Liberia

FOREST DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

MANAGING DIRECTOR , Rudolph J. Merab, Sr

THE LOWDOWN: The FDA is a semi-public autonomous corporation created by an act of the legislature on December 20, 1976, with the mandate to sustainably manage and conserve the forests and related resources of the country for the benefit of present and future generations. President Joesph Boakai took a controversial decision to turn the page back in time with his choice of Rudolph J. Merab as head of the controversy-ridden authority.

Merab, an ally to former President Charles Taylor, and whose companies were twice found to have engaged in illegal logging, came as a surprise to many. One of Merab’s companies was even mentioned in the trial of Charles Taylor, a former Liberia president who was convicted of war crimes during the civil war in neighboring country Sierra Leone.

His appointment also drew ire from the United Kingdom and European Union, both major donors to Liberian forest conservation, who had hoped that a change in government would bring about a new era. Merab’s predecessor Mike Doryen, appointed by former President Weah was a sore eye to donors and President Weah refused to sack him despite sustained diplomatic pressure, was voted out of office last year. That meant a new boss of the FDA.

The sector itself has been under scrutiny for years. According to the Associated Press, last year $3 million of timber had been illegally logged under the FDA’s then-managing director Mike Doryen. He presided over a shadow system for illegal log exports in which up to 70% of timber was exported off the books, a dossier compiled by the U.K. Foreign Office said. Doryen has denied wrongdoing.

Liberia’s forest resources face several challenges and threats which are causing considerable damage to the integrity of the ecosystems and the provision of essential ecosystem services, including soil quality, forest cover and forest health, water quality, plants and animals. Under President Boakai, it seems the FDA has not skipped a beat from its troubled past and just in the first year, the signs appear to be mimicking previous years.

2024 HIGH: During the year under review,representatives of Liberia and the European Union (EU) concluded their 12th Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) Meeting, which oversaw the implementation of the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between Liberia and the EU, a press release said recently.This agreement aimed to improve forest governance and promote legal timber trade between the EU and Liberia.

The 2-day meeting held in Monrovia on November 26 and 28, 2024, was co-chaired by Hon. Philip Parker IV, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and Chair of the Liberia Implementation Committee (LIC) for the Republic of Liberia, and Ambassador Nona Deprez, Head of the EU Delegation to Liberia for the EU. The meeting was also attended by officials from the Liberian ministries concerned, representatives from the European Commission in Brussels, and forest sector stakeholders, including civil society organizations, rural communities, the private sector, and development partners.

During the high-level discussions, the European Union informed the Government of Liberia of its desire to transition from the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) to a Forest Partnership (FP), which the EU thinks is a more holistic and cost-effective instrument, aligned with evolving EU policies and regulations and more suited to the needs and opportunities of the Liberia Forest Sector. The Government of Liberia listened to the EU’s proposal and requested a formal communication from the EU to the Government of Liberia to inform internal discussions, emphasizing the need for high-level engagements on the subject.

The Parties and forest sector stakeholders had in-depth conversations on the progress regarding benefit sharing, efforts to increase legal compliance, and the implementation of prior JIC decisions. There was also a session on support from the EU for forest governance and sustainable forest management, most notably a recently signed 3.5 million Euro program which will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Also, during the year, the Conservation Department of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) met in June  held a crucial round table Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting with score of conservation partners and outlined its vision, mission, goals and priorities for 2024. The meeting is basically aimed at identifying the various actors, their respective areas of interventions, influences as well as interests in the sector. The meeting afforded the participating parties the opportunity to identify and discuss progress, challenges, lessons learned and planned interventions in the sector going forward. At the meeting each participating actor provided an overview of their work and its impact on conservation activities.

At that meeting, Mr. Merab underscored the importance of the meeting and urged the partners to redouble their efforts in meeting the goals and objectives as it relates to protecting biodiversity. He used the occasion to reecho FDA’S readiness to rigorously monitor those projects undertaken by the partners to ensure that deliverables are met within the specified timetable.

The authority also held meetings with international partners, NGOs, local and international, CSOs and Forestry practitioners for the launch of the LEH Go Green Project which envisaged to improve natural resources governance and business environment for sustainable-based activities in line with the 2021-2024 EU programing Forestry & Conservation Contribution to TEI ‘ Sustainable Forestry and Biodiversity in Liberia.

2024 LOW: During the year under review, chainsaw-milled timber emerged as a damaging new form of illegal logging in Liberia. Chainsaw milling is legally permitted only for small-scale production of boards for the country’s domestic market, but larger operators may be using it as a means to evade regulations governing the sourcing and tracing of wood, and to avoid paying royalties to communities.

Liberia has the largest intact forests in West Africa, a reservoir for biodiversity and a vital resource for the people who live in them. During the long civil war that began in the 1990s, armed factions indiscriminately felled large areas for valuable timber to pay their fighters and enrich their leaders. Establishing effective regulation of the timber industry was an important part of the peace process negotiated in the mid-2000s.

In the postwar period, Liberia set up a system meant to ensure that wood is sustainably harvested only from licensed concessions, and volumes of timber are properly accounted for to ensure the state and local communities get their share of the taxes and royalties. The time, place, and date of every tree harvested commercially is meant to be recorded in the LiberTrace tracking system. Raw, round logs are exported to foreign markets, mainly to European Union countries, China and Vietnam.

Chainsaw milling is an exception. Currently, small-scale operators are allowed to reach informal agreements with local communities to fell trees and cut them into boards. The timber they produce is solely for sale in Liberia’s domestic markets and meant to be no thicker than 2 inches (5 centimeters).

Also, during the year, an investigation by DayLIght uncovered that the FDA approved the export of 797 logs (4,702.679 cubic meters) valued at an estimated US$1 million for a company. The investigation was based on an analysis of the consignment generated by the FDA log-tracking computer system or LiberTrace. The report cited a screenshot of LiberTrace’s history of West Water Group (Liberia) Inc.’s logs. 

An analysis of the consignment FDA’s computer system generated by, obtained by The DayLight, identified 401 logs, or 50.3 percent of the consignment as illegal logs.  The LiberTrace system tracks logs from their origin to their final destination. Programmed automatically to flag noncompliance, it is a crucial part of forestry reform following years of corruption and mismanagement. SGS, a Swiss verification firm, created LiberTrace in 2014 and turned it over to the FDA five years later.

Details of the red-flagged logs appeared on the export permit and a National Port Authority document. That proved the FDA did not ensure West Water corrected the issues LiberTrace raised before sanctioning the export. The export permit and a National Port Authority reconciliation report show that West Water Group (Liberia) Inc., which operates in Grand Bassa and Nimba Counties, owns the shipment.  Merab had approved the export barely two weeks after his appointment in February, according to the permit.

The 4,702.679 cubic meters of logs were loaded onto M/V Tropical Star, a ship flying under the Malaysian flag. The vessel departed the Port of Buchanan on March 16 bound for China. Marine Traffic, which provides information on the movement of ships,  reports that the ship is due in China on May 16.  Wenzhou Timber Group Co. Ltd, the Chinese state-owned firm that deals in timber and other trades, bought the consignment, according to the permit.  

GRADE: F

2025 OUTLOOK:  When will Liberia get it right with a sector, if utilized right can be a major driver of the local economy. Next year?

LIBERIA TELECOMMUNICATONS AUTHORITY

ACTING CHAIRPERSON, Abdullah L. Kamara
Administration, Operations and Legal Affairs

THE LOWDOWN: The LTA is an independent commission of government established by the Telecommunications Act 2007 and clothed with the authority to regulate the telecommunications sector of Liberia. The LTA’s responsibilities include: Advise government on policy for the telecommunications sector, Develop and enforce Regulations, Decisions, Rules and Orders for the telecommunications sector, License and authorize telecommunications service providers, services, and systems, Manage Liberia’s radio spectrum and numbering resources, Regulate and promote fair and effective competition within the telecommunications sector, Regulate interconnection between telecommunications service providers and networks, Establish and enforce safeguards for consumer protection, Approve telecommunications equipment and terminal devices connected to networks in Liberia, Resolve disputes between service providers, and between customers and service providers, Facilitate the development of the telecommunications sector, and promote the accessibility of affordable and reliable telecommunications services in Liberia.

During the year under review, President Joseph Boakai, ,speaking at the opening of the three-day cybersecurity awareness conference, pressed for the creation of a comprehensive strategy to tackle cybersecurity issues. The President emphasized the need for prioritizing cybersecurity in all government ministries and agencies and urged the Liberian National Legislature to quickly pass the draft Cybercrime Bill, which would enable legal measures against cybercriminal activities and help restore trust in Liberia’s critical ICT infrastructure and internet services.

The major issue for the authority during the year however was the suspension of the Board of Commissioners. The Executive Mansion said the officials were suspended for what it called questionable financial transactions and other malpractices. Those suspended include the Board’s Chairperson Edwina Zackpah, and Commissioners, Israel Akinsanya, Wotawon Titus, James Gbarwea, and Osborne Diggs. A statement from the Executive Mansion issued on Friday, April 26, 2024, said:” The LTA, as a critical institution responsible for regulating the Telecommunications Sector in the Country, is expected to uphold high standards of integrity and accountability. President Boakai has since mandated the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the LTA, and called on the suspended officials to cooperate with the investigation. In their place, the President named Abdullah Kamara, Angela Cassell Bush, Clarence Massaquoi, and Patrick Honnah as Acting Chairperson and Acting Commissioners, respectively. The Executive Mansion said the appointment is pending the conclusion of the GAC’s audit.

2024 HIGH: During the course of the year under review, the LTA signed an historic one-year licensing agreement with Starlink Liberia LLC, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.  The landmark deal will bring satellite-based internet services to every corner of Liberia, enabling the country to achieve universal internet coverage for the first time in its history. The provisional license will allow LTA to assess Starlink’s services over the next year, setting quality standards and ensuring consumer protection as this cutting-edge technology is rolled out. Starlink’s satellite system promises to deliver high-speed internet directly to users, bypassing traditional infrastructure limitations that have left many areas of Liberia with inadequate or no internet access. This effort aligns with the government’s broader agenda, outlined in the National ICT Policy, which prioritizes expanding connectivity to all citizens, a core objective of President Joseph Boakai’s administration. Acting Chair Kamara, highlighted the significance of this deal in advancing Liberia’s digital future. He described it as a pivotal moment that will forever change how Liberians access the internet. 

Also during the year, the LTA move to strengthen Liberia’s digital infrastructure and improve national security. In collaboration with the National Identification Registry (NIR), the authority signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 8, 2024. This agreement is set to reshape the country’s SIM card registration process by requiring all mobile subscribers to register using a government-issued National Identification Card. This partnership is a critical part of Liberia’s broader Digital Transformation Initiative, aimed at enhancing security, digital inclusion, and access to essential services.

The LTA also introduced transformative regulations that promise to reshape the sector, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and create a more competitive business environment. The two regulations — Numbering Regulations and the Regulations on Wholesale Access to Telecommunication Networks for the Provision of Value-Added Services (VAS) — are the result of extensive research, review, and public consultation mandated by the LTA Act. The introduction of these regulations marks a historic milestone under the leadership of the Acting Board of Commissioners, positioning Liberia’s telecom market for unprecedented growth and innovation. The Numbering Regulations is expected to bring a structured approach to the allocation, assignment, and management of all telecommunication numbers, including Short Codes, across Liberia.

2024 LOW:  The year under review was a murky one for the LTA. While President Boakai suspended the previous chair and commissioners for questionable transactions, his new crew appear to be up to old tricks. The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has been pressing the president to dismiss the acting chair, Kamara and Dorr Cooper, Inspector General of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, over alleged corruption and violations of the Code of Conduct. CENTAL also urged action against other officials accused of misconduct and abuse of office. Speaking at a news conference in November, CENTAL’s Executive Director, Anderson D. Miamen, cited a General Auditing Commission (GAC) report implicating Mr. Kamara in violations of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Law during his tenure as CEO of TAMMA Corporation. “The GAC audit found that payments totaling L$262,844,500 and US$450,000 were made to TAMMA Corporation and 231 Data Incorporated without adherence to procurement protocols or documentation,” Miamen stated, quoting the audit report.

Mr. Miamen expressed concern over the President’s inaction despite these findings, noting that Mr. Kamara continues to serve at the LTA in an acting capacity. “It is alarming that no public action has been taken against Mr. Kamara. As far as we know, he still enjoys the confidence of the presidency, even though he is accused of mismanaging the very institution he now leads,” Miamen said. The CENTAL head also criticized the prolonged acting status of Mr. Kamara and other LTA commissioners, which has persisted since April 2024. “This inaction sends the wrong message, particularly given the findings of the GAC audit,” he remarked. Under the current leadership, consumers are getting less data for $1, ⁠less voice for $1 – ⁠voice and consumers say data quality is horrible. Questions are also being raised regarding the digital training for 10k young people which is not implemented per mandate – ⁠showcasing previous Boards accomplishments as theirs without sharing credit with them – ⁠reduce govt sectoral (LRA) tax collection – ⁠sectoral revenue declining.

GRADE: F

2025 OUTLOOK: Some say the clock is ticking on Kamara amid tons of allegations and governance lapses at the LTA. Will JNB buy into it in the coming year?