The Liberian House of Representatives has ordered an immediate suspension of all operations by Liberia Traffic Management (LTM), pending a comprehensive investigation into the controversial traffic concession agreement signed with the government.
The decision, announced on Monday, comes in response to mounting public pressure and a formal petition from employees of the Ministry of Transport, who were joined by several drivers and transport unions in staging protests outside the Capitol.
Following hours of deliberations, the House leadership concluded that a thorough review of the LTM agreement was necessary to address concerns over its legality, transparency, and implications for existing transport authorities.
Robert Haynes, Director of Press at the House of Representatives, addressed demonstrators on Capitol Hill and later spoke to FrontPage Africa, confirming that the House’s move followed a report submitted by its Joint Committee on Concessions and Transport.
“The Plenary mandated the Joint Committee on Concessions and Transport to look into the petition submitted by the aggrieved employees of the Ministry of Transport. Following that, the Joint Committee reported to the leadership with key recommendations,” Haynes said.
Among those recommendations was a formal request to the Executive Branch to place a stay order on LTM’s operations. Additionally, the report proposed that the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police coordinate with the Ministry of Transport to enforce Liberia’s Motor Vehicle and Traffic Laws during the investigation period.
The House leadership endorsed the recommendations during Monday’s session, sending a clear message of legislative support for reclaiming the Ministry of Transport’s statutory duties, which protesters argue have been undermined by LTM’s operations.
Protesters held placards and chanted slogans condemning what they described as a “bogus agreement.” Many drivers voiced frustration over alleged excessive fines issued by LTM officers, claiming the financial burden has made daily life increasingly difficult.
“We are not motivated by any politician. Our protest is void of politics. But the purpose of this gathering is to seek justice from our lawmakers and our President,” said Omaru A. Fofanah, President of the Collaborating Transport Union. “We are not against government’s policies, but policies that are against our people.”
The Ministry of Transport has now been instructed to resume its full statutory functions while the investigation into the LTM concession proceeds.
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