Who’s in Charge? The Confusing Role of the Ministry of Transport Amid LTM’s Expanding Mandate

MONROVIA—In a quietly unfolding development that has raised more questions than answers, Liberia Transit Management (LTM)—a private entity—is reportedly assuming control over vital national functions such as the issuance of driver’s licenses and vehicle registration. These tasks have traditionally and legally been the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport.

While some might interpret this move as a step toward modernization or efficiency, the lack of transparency surrounding the shift suggests something deeper—and more troubling—may be at play.

What Is the Ministry of Transport’s Role Now?

If LTM is now responsible for two of the Ministry’s most high-profile and revenue-generating functions, what role remains for the Ministry of Transport? Has it been reduced to a ceremonial institution? Is its work now limited to policy formulation on paper, while implementation lies in the hands of a private or semi-private body?

These are not rhetorical questions. They cut to the heart of institutional integrity and public accountability in Liberia’s governance.

Is This Reform—or a Concession Deal in Disguise?

In Liberia, the term “concession” has long been associated with sweetheart deals quietly awarded to politically connected individuals or companies—particularly in the natural resources sector. Now, it appears a similar pattern may be emerging in transportation.

If the transfer of licensing and registration to LTM is, in fact, a concession, then where is the transparency? Was there a public bidding process? Was the Legislature consulted? Were citizens informed? No official pronouncement has been made to clarify the legal basis for this shift. In the absence of such clarity, suspicion and speculation are inevitable—and justified.

Why Are the Police Involved in Outsourcing a Core National Function?

According to Liberia’s Vehicle and Traffic Law of 1972, driver’s licensing and vehicle registration fall under the jurisdiction of the Motor Vehicle Bureau within the Ministry of Justice. The Liberian National Police (LNP)—which also falls under the Ministry of Justice—has reportedly played a role in outsourcing these functions to LTM.

However, an Act of the Legislature in 1987 established the Ministry of Transport to oversee all transportation-related functions in the Republic of Liberia. While the 1972 law may be outdated, modern governance principles dictate a clear separation between regulatory enforcement and service delivery to prevent conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

In many countries, such as the United States and Ghana, civilian agencies like the DMV (U.S.) and DVLA (Ghana) handle licensing and vehicle registration. The police enforce traffic laws—but do not issue licenses or register vehicles.

In 2011, as part of Liberia’s Transport Master Plan, efforts were made to repeal the 1972 law and establish an autonomous Driver License and Vehicle Registration Authority. Yet today, the LNP appears to be playing a central role in transferring this key function to a private body.

A Question of Capacity—or Something Else?

Driver licensing and vehicle registration are not trivial administrative tasks—they are critical tools for law enforcement, road safety, and national security. So why would the police, of all agencies, support outsourcing these responsibilities?

Is this about limited capacity within government ministries? A lack of resources? Or is it simply a convenient cover for private interests to gain control over a lucrative public service?

In other democratic nations, such a major transfer of public authority would prompt public hearings, investigative journalism, and likely legislative inquiry. In Liberia, however, vague justifications are offered, and the public is left to connect the dots on its own.

Undermining Public Institutions: A Disturbing Trend

In a well-governed state, the Ministry of Transport would be setting national transportation policy, supervising civilian service agencies, planning infrastructure, ensuring safety standards, and coordinating with law enforcement—not being sidelined by private interests.

The growing influence of LTM, particularly without legislative oversight or a clear legal framework, appears to represent yet another de facto concession—granted without public scrutiny.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. We’ve seen similar patterns at the National Port Authority with Medtech, CTN program, in public parks, and in other key sectors. Liberia’s public institutions are not being strengthened—they are being hollowed out. Rather than investing in government capacity, we’re outsourcing. Instead of transparency, we get quiet deals negotiated behind closed doors.

And the most troubling part: these arrangements are made with minimal oversight, eroding democratic accountability and centralizing power in the hands of the well-connected.

The Public Deserves Answers

Liberians have a right to know:

Who owns LTM?

What is the legal basis for its new mandate?

What is the future role of the Ministry of Transport?

Was this arrangement approved by the Legislature?

What safeguards exist to protect against abuse?

Until these questions are answered—clearly and publicly—public confidence will remain shaken, and rightly so. This is not merely a policy change; it is a governance issue that strikes at the very heart of Liberia’s institutional credibility.

About the author: Mr. J.E Kolliegbo is a seasoned public policy professional with extensive experience in government administration and sectoral reform.   He previously served as Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Transport, where he led critical reform efforts during the first term of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Notably, he played a central role in the development and launch of Liberia’s National Transport Master Plan, a milestone in modernizing the country’s transport infrastructure and regulatory framework.

In addition to his role at the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Kolliegbo also served as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, contributing to national efforts to enhance communication infrastructure and improve public service delivery through digital transformation.

His work reflects a strong commitment to institutional development, policy reform, and results-oriented leadership in the public sector.