By Contributing Writer
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Mounting concern surrounds the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) after its Chairman, Mr. Clarance Massaquoi, refused for nearly a year to disclose how much revenue the institution has collected from telecom operators.
Established under the Telecommunications Act of 2007, the LTA regulates Liberia’s telecom sector and oversees funds generated through call monitoring systems. These revenues, collected from GSM companies, are intended to strengthen government oversight and ensure accountability.
Suspension of TIA Contract
In October 2025, President Joseph Boakai suspended the contract of Telecom International Alliance (TIA) through Executive Order No. 154, citing irregularities. TIA had been responsible for monitoring call traffic and sharing revenue with the LTA. Before TIA’s suspension, the LTA worked with Global Voice Group (GVG) between 2013 and 2018 to provide traffic monitoring and fraud detection systems, though that contract also faced controversy.
Following TIA’s exit, the LTA awarded a new contract to NUMTEL Liberia to manage telecom traffic monitoring and messaging infrastructure. However, NUMTEL’s ownership structure and technical capacity remain opaque. Industry experts warn that entrusting such a sensitive role to a company with little public track record could jeopardize revenue collection, data security, and regulatory oversight.
Transparency Under Scrutiny
Sources within the LTA say the institution collects millions of dollars monthly, yet accountability mechanisms remain weak. LTA Communications Director, Madam Jarce Burphy, confirmed that funds are deposited into an escrow account but declined to provide further details.
Chairman Massaquoi has insisted he will only report financial figures to President Boakai.
“If they want me to say where the money is, I will not say it. I will report to the President,” Massaquoi told reporters. “I can vouch for the character of my colleagues. All funds generated can be transferred at the President’s instruction.”
His remarks have reignited debate over transparency and public accountability in one of Liberia’s most lucrative revenue streams.
Calls for Investigation
Journalist Alfred Togba has formally petitioned both the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to investigate the LTA’s financial management. Critics argue that secrecy surrounding NUMTEL’s operations and the refusal to disclose revenue figures undermine the LTA’s stated values of fairness, credibility, transparency, and accountability.
Even basic questions about NUMTEL’s offices and qualifications remain unanswered, fueling suspicions that Liberia’s telecom oversight is being compromised.
Some insiders say Chairman Massaquoi’s refusal to disclose revenue violates the institution’s core principles.
“This sector collects huge sums monthly, but the commissioners, especially the chairman, are arrogant and unwilling to disclose the money to the public. Where is the accountability we preach?” a source at the entity, who requested anonymity, told this paper.
