— Chairman promises cutting-edge technologies that would help boost the viability of the telecom sector
The management and staff of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) are gradually gearing up to move into a new and permanent home–a US$4.6 million state-of-the-art headquarters being built by BMC Construction Group, a renowned construction company, in Shefflin Township, Lower Margibi County.
When completed, the facility will be a great leap in enhancing the country’s telecommunications sector, Acting LTA Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara told newsmen during a tour of the site over the weekend. Kamara described the project as a landmark investment in infrastructure.
While LTA commands a lot of power and respect as the regulator of a very lucrative and technical sector, Kamara noted that the entity’s current headquarters does not represent the authority and prestige as compared to its counterparts in the Mano River and other sub-regions.
“LTA is operating in a space that is very, very competitive, but also very modern, and maybe you guys can take a look at our current office that does not represent us as regulators, as head of the sector, as well as if you compare that with our counterparts,” he said.
“We want to have an impressive representation. We also want to leave a mark,” Kamara told reporters. “Our country needs to develop. We can’t have resources and only spend them on daily operational activities without investing in infrastructure and physical assets. This is a manifestation of our intent and how we want to structure and grow this sector.”
According to Kamara, the project started ten months ago with only construction materials and a fenced perimeter. However, he noted that major progress has been made, with the building now taking shape as a modern telecommunications hub.
“Ten months later, this is the building we have; this is a real building. When you come here, you will know you are in a tech environment,” Kamara said. “This is a really unique building and we’re going to even make it more modernized. As the regulator of the telecom communication and ICT sector, when you enter our compound, you will feel and experience technology.”
He disclosed that the facility will have the latest cutting-edge technology including biometric, facial recognition.
“To access this facility, you will have to do so with biometric and facial recognition. We will install the latest technology,” he said.
The initial estimated cost of the project was $4.6 million, but Kamara disclosed that additional features and an extra floor have been incorporated, leading to a slight increase in the final price. The new headquarters is anticipated to be finished and inaugurated by July. Upon completion, it will function as the main center for the LTA, overseeing Liberia’s telecommunications sector.
Established in 2007, the LTA is responsible for overseeing Liberia’s telecommunications industry to ensure compliance, fair competition, and improved service delivery. The construction of a permanent headquarters represents a significant milestone for the agency, which has previously operated from leased offices.
This shift aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks and advance Liberia’s digital transformation. Kamara emphasized that this initiative underscores the LTA’s dedication to fostering a more vibrant, productive, and efficient telecommunications sector under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership.
With Liberia’s emphasis on enhancing digital connectivity, the completion of the LTA headquarters is anticipated to bolster the country’s commitment to telecommunications development, positioning it for future growth.
