Liberia: Commercial Drivers Protest Against Liberia Traffic Management, Accuse Agency of Harassment and Extortion

Monrovia – Hundreds of commercial drivers staged a protest on Monday, July 28, 2025, demanding the immediate shutdown of the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM), accusing the agency of persistent harassment, arbitrary fines, and extortion.

The protest, which took place at key traffic junctions including ELWA Junction and Capitol Bypass, disrupted public transportation across Monrovia, leaving many commuters stranded. 

Protesters called for traffic responsibilities to be returned to the Ministry of Transport, citing what they described as systemic abuse by LTM officers.

Musa Flomo, a spokesperson for the protesting drivers, stated that commercial drivers are facing “unfair treatment” under the current traffic enforcement system.

“We’re tired of being treated unfairly. We want proper regulation, not abuse,” Flomo said, describing widespread concerns over practices such as “double ticketing”—where drivers are fined multiple times for the same infraction—and alleged on-the-spot extortion.

Several drivers shared personal accounts of alleged misconduct by LTM officers. One driver, who asked not to be named, claimed he was fined excessively for a minor violation and threatened with vehicle impoundment unless he paid immediately.

James Gray, another driver, reported being issued a ticket for an offense he had previously settled. According to Gray, LTM officers refused to recognize the prior payment, highlighting what he believes is a pattern of extortion within the agency.

Protesters argue that the LTM, which was created to enhance traffic regulation and improve road safety, has instead become a burden on commercial drivers through opaque practices and a lack of accountability.

“The LTM has made it hard for us to survive. There’s no transparency, and they operate like they are above the law,” Flomo added.

The drivers have warned of intensified actions if their demands are not met, including potential road blockages and wider protests. Their central demand is the full dissolution of the LTM and the reassignment of its duties back to the Ministry of Transport.

Chanting slogans such as “We don’t want LTM, we want the Ministry of Transport,” the protesters vowed to continue voicing their grievances until government authorities take decisive action.

As of press time, officials from the Ministry of Transport and Liberia Traffic Management had yet to respond to the drivers’ allegations or the protest action.