MONROVIA – The Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) is at the center of a storm of public criticism following a controversial move by GSM companies Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia to reduce data services while increasing prices. The decision has generated outrage, with both telecommunications companies blaming the LTA for the hikes. The regulatory body has consistently denied the allegations, but the public remains unconvinced, leading to heated debates and calls for accountability.
Social media has become a battleground, with platforms like Facebook inundated with complaints and protests targeting the LTA. Critics have accused the regulatory body of ignoring the dire economic conditions of Liberians, including a staggering unemployment rate of 96.5%, according to the Ministry of Labor. The uproar has intensified due to perceptions of extravagant spending by LTA commissioners amidst growing economic hardship.
Martin Kollie, a well-known advocate against corruption, did not mince words in a fiery Facebook post. “There’s a difference between insensitivity and evil. EVIL is when LTA commissioners, including Patrick Honnah, take home about US$11K in salaries and benefits every month but cut down on the data that millions of poor people depend on to survive,” Kollie wrote. He detailed the commissioners’ compensation packages, calling for immediate reforms to address public grievances.
Presidential Press Secretary Kolu V. Fofana also weighed in, attempting to calm public anger. “Data is indeed life. The relevant authorities are currently working to ensure the issue is resolved soon. Be patient small. #yourgovtlistens,” she posted on Facebook. Despite her assurances, citizens have continued to demand swift action.
Adding to the chorus of dissent, Representative Taa Wongbe issued a stark warning: “Young people are ready! If the LTA doesn’t reverse its decision, we will make our voices heard in every corner of Liberia. Affordable internet is non-negotiable. #BringBackOurData.”
In a move to enforce transparency, Cllr. Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor has formally demanded access to financial records from the LTA under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act of 2010. Her request seeks the LTA’s 2024 Budget, Expenditure Report, and detailed records of salaries and benefits paid to commissioners from January to November 2024.
In her letter, dated December 9, 2024, and addressed to LTA Chairman Abdullai Kamara, Cllr. Yeakula-Korkpor cited the FOI Act, which guarantees the public’s right to access information held by government bodies. She emphasized, “This request is not only a call for accountability but also an effort to affirm the public’s right to know how taxpayer money is being utilized.”
Her demand for detailed salary and benefits information has reignited questions about the prudent use of public funds within the LTA. The FOI Act of 2010 was designed to empower citizens, and Cllr. Yeakula-Korkpor’s bold action could set a precedent for scrutinizing public agencies.
The LTA, led by Chairman Abdullai Kamara and commissioners Patrick Honnah, Clarence Massaquoi, Angela Bush, and Ben Fofana, has yet to offer a tangible solution to the crisis. Meanwhile, public anger continues to grow, with many Liberians calling on the government to reverse the price hikes, ensure affordable internet access, and hold those responsible accountable.
With internet access being a critical tool for education, communication, and economic activities, Liberians see affordable data as a non-negotiable right. The ball is now in the government’s court to act decisively or face an escalation in public discontent.
As legal and public pressure mounts, the question remains: will the government and LTA address these grievances, or will the cries for accountability grow louder?
