Capitol Building – The House of Representatives has constituted a specialized investigative committee to probe into unwarranted fees charges at the Freeport of Monrovia.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The House decision followed more than two hours of testimonies provided by witnesses including the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the President of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA), representatives of the Custom Brokers Association of Liberia and officials from APM Terminals, Global Tracking & Maritime Solution (GTMS), MTS Inspection Services Ltd. and METECH Scientific.
Appearances of the witnesses were trigged by a communication by Grand Bassa County Electoral District #2 Representative, J. Clarence T. Banks during last Thursday’s sitting.
In his communication, the Grand Bassa County lawmaker alarmed over what he described as excessive charges and delays affecting importers, businesses and ordinary Liberians.
Rep. Banks pointed out that the persistent delays in cargo clearance and mounting port charges are worsening the cost of doing business in Liberia.
This, he contended, was also contributing to increased prices of goods on the local market, noting that importers are often forced to pay huge demurrage fees due to prolonged clearance processes, costs that are ultimately transferred to consumers.
Predicated upon the Grand Bassa County lawmaker’s red flag raised, the House took a decision to invite institutions concerned to speak to the matter.
The appearances were intended to provide clarity on concerns surrounding the alleged excessive charges and their impact on Liberia’s business environment and economic competitiveness.
Following their appearance accounts, the House unanimously moved to constitute a committee that will further delve into the matter at hand.
The constituted committee will be chaired by Nimba County District 7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility and co-chaired by Rep. Foday E. Fahnbulleh of Bong County District 7. Other members of the committee include Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Bong County District 3, Representative Jeremiah Sokan of Grand Gedeh District 1, Rep. Austin Taylor of Maryland District #3, Montserrado County District 16 Representative Dixon Seboe and Nimba County District 4 Representative, Ernest Manseah.
The committee is being mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged imposition of undue fees and operational bottlenecks at the country’s main seaport and provide recommendations to Plenary.
It is reported that situation is gradually pushing some importers to reroute their goods through neighboring Guinea, where they reportedly face fewer delays and lower costs.
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