The Honorable House of Representatives has constituted a specialized committee to investigate alleged undue charges imposed on the business sector and ordinary citizens at the Freeport of Monrovia.
The decision was reached during Thursday’s sitting following concerns raised by Grand Bassa County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. J. Clarence T. Banks, regarding excessive port-related charges and bottlenecks that continue to negatively impact importers and the general public.
Those appointed to serve on the committee include:
Hon. Musa Bility – Chairman
Hon. Foday Fahnbulleh – Co-Chair
Hon. Marvin Cole – Member
Hon. Jeremiah Sokan – Member
Hon. Austin Taylor – Member
Hon. Dixon Seboe – Member
Hon. Ernest Manseah – Member
The committee has been mandated to conduct a full-scale investigation into the matter and report its findings and recommendations to Plenary.
The House believes that ordinary Liberians continue to suffer from the burden of excessive charges and administrative bottlenecks at the port, a situation lawmakers say is discouraging business growth and increasing hardship for citizens.
According to lawmakers, many importers are now opting to use neighboring ports in the Republic of Guinea to bring in their goods due to the high charges and delays experienced at Liberian port. Members of the House further noted that delays in cargo clearance often compel importers to pay huge demurrage fees, thereby increasing the cost of goods on the local market.
Appearing before the House during Thursday’s session were the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the President of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA), the General Manager of Global Tracking & Maritime Solution (GTMS), the President of the Custom Brokers Association of Liberia, the General Manager of APM Terminals, the General Manager of MTS Inspection Services Ltd., and the General Manager of METECH Scientific.
The officials appeared to address issues surrounding the alleged imposition of undue charges on the business community and citizens of Liberia.
