MONROVIA, LIBERIA – An investigation by Liberian journalist Sekou Sheriff has prompted the House of Representatives to summon officials from the Telecom International Alliance (TIA) and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) over allegations of unauthorized changes to a multi-year telecom monitoring contract. The House’s decision follows concerns that the altered agreement may unfairly benefit TIA while undermining the government’s revenue collection.
Sheriff, through his media outlet Voice of Liberia 104.1 FM, formally petitioned the House to investigate discrepancies in the “Amended and Restated Agreement to Provide Equipment and Training for the Monitoring of Voice, Data, Mobile Money Traffic, and the Management of Fraud.” His investigation revealed that the signed contract, dated November 10, 2022, does not reflect key changes previously mandated by the House of Representatives.
According to Sheriff, the most alarming alteration involves the contract’s duration. While lawmakers recommended a five-year term, the final agreement signed by the parties extended the duration to 20 years without legislative approval. This irregularity was first highlighted by former Maryland County District 3 Representative Isaac B. Roland, leading the House to recall the original contract on December 21, 2023.
In his letter to the House, Sheriff warned that the alterations could violate Liberia’s Revised Penal Law of 1976, Section 15.70, Subchapter E, which addresses forgery and counterfeiting. He urged lawmakers to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent potential misuse of public resources and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
RiverGee County District 3 Representative, Hon. Johnson S.N. Williams, amplified Sheriff’s concerns by submitting a formal communication to the Plenary, requesting that TIA and LTA officials be summoned to explain the discrepancies. Williams emphasized the need for transparency and expressed alarm over the possibility that the changes were deliberately made to favor TIA.
