MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Amidst growing public concern, the Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN) and Met Tech deals have become contentious issues in Liberia. These deals, which are said to be directly linked to the high prices of commodities on the local market, remain intact despite public outcry.
The primary reason for the government’s reluctance to scrap these deals appears to be financial gain. Corrupt officials and influential individuals reportedly benefit from an intake of US$15 million monthly. Shockingly, this revenue doesn’t flow into government coffers but allegedly ends up in a Dubai account owned by President George Weah and a few associates, as revealed on Spoon TV.
Over the past six years, the CTN scheme alone has generated approximately US$1.6 billion. This scheme imposes a US$250 surcharge on each of the estimated 60,000 containers imported monthly, costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.
Met Tech, a company linked to Ms. Quist, reportedly a close associate of former President Weah, charges additional inspection fees. This company was awarded a contract for “Destination Inspection” services, replacing the longstanding Pre-Shipment Inspection regime. Concerns have been raised about Met Tech’s credibility, given its lack of a Dunn & Bradstreet rating.
Despite these controversies, current government officials have shown reluctance to subject these companies to exhaustive audits. This reluctance suggests that officials might be sharing in the profits, rather than acting in the public interest.
At the heart of the issue lies the relevance of Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) in international trade. Liberia, a member of the World Trade Organization since 2016, is obligated to adhere to the Agreement on Pre-Shipment Inspection. This agreement aims to ensure fair trade practices by verifying shipment details and ensuring compliance with agreed-upon terms.
The CTN and Met Tech deals seem to deviate from this standard. Instead of benefiting the Liberian people, these deals appear to serve as conduits for enriching a select few, while imposing economic hardships on the masses.
The Ministry of Commerce plays a crucial role in regulating imports and exports through Import Permit Declarations (IPD). However, under the Weah administration, the IPD requirement was scrapped, along with the Pre-Shipment Inspection regime, making room for potential misuse and abuse.
Recent incidents, such as the interception of a container with drugs valued at over US$100 million and the import of military assault weapons, highlight the dangers posed by these lax regulations. These incidents not only jeopardize national security but also underscore the need for stringent oversight.
It’s high time for corrective measures. The Boakai Government should scrap the CTN immediately and initiate an open bidding process for a credible PSI company to replace Met Tech. Such actions could lead to a reduction in commodity prices and restore public trust.
In conclusion, the CTN and Met Tech deals are detrimental to Liberia’s economy and its people. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai is urged to take decisive action to end these questionable deals and prioritize the welfare of the Liberian people. Only time will reveal if the promised “RESCUE” will materialize under this administration. By John H. T. Stewart
