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ADNews-Monrovia: The Specialized Committee of the House of Representatives (HOR) , chaired by Representative Clarence G. Gahr, Wednesday, 19 February conducted a public hearing to investigate allegations of alterations in the concession agreement between the Republic of Liberia and Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI).
The hearing, attended by the Acting Ministers of Justice Dehpue Y. Zuo and Transport Archibald S. Abban, along with the Management of LTMI, focused on issues surrounding the issuance of driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Gahr set the stage for the hearing, emphasizing the importance of transparency in government contracts.
According to the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau, the Acting Minister of Transport Archibald S. Abban highlighted that the ministry has been responsible for generating revenue through vehicle registration and licensing. However, due to the ongoing dispute with LTMI over jurisdiction, there has been a significant decline in revenue collection. The ministry was projected to generate $12 million, but given the current situation, it is unlikely to meet this target.
For his part the General Manager of LTMI Dr. Imad Hajj, explained that the concession agreement originated under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and was later signed by former President George Weah in 2018. The agreement officially became law in January 2019.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Dehpue Y. Zuo, representing the Ministry of Justice, informed the committee that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court full bench. As a result, he declined to make any substantive comments, requesting that the committee allow the legal process to reach a logical conclusion, citing concerns about prejudice in an ongoing court case.
Despite the legal proceedings, the Specialized Committee reaffirmed its legislative oversight authority and committed to a thorough review of all documents submitted by the Ministries of Justice and Transport, along with LTMI.
The committee Chair says further investigations will be conducted to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law in the execution of the concession agreement in the Republic of Liberia.
The House of Representatives remains committed to ensuring proper legislative scrutiny and safeguarding the public interest in government agreements.
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