LTA Chairman Pushes Ahead With Controversial Telecom Contract Shift

Reports emerging from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) indicate growing internal concern over plans by the institution’s leadership to terminate its existing agreement with Telecom International Alliance (TIA) and proceed with a new arrangement involving NUMTEL Liberia.

Multiple sources within the LTA and outside the institution disclosed over the weekend that the Authority’s Chairman, Clarence Massaquoi, remains determined to move forward with the new contract despite cautionary advice from lawmakers and the Justice Ministry, urging that no new agreement be executed at this time.

According to insiders, several senior commissioners at the LTA have expressed reservations about the decision, warning that abruptly replacing TIA could damage investor confidence and expose the government to legal challenges.

“Some commissioners are uncomfortable with the move because it sends the wrong signal internationally,” one source familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. “There are concerns that TIA could seek an injunction against the process if the authority proceeds.”

Efforts by local media organizations to obtain clarification from Chairman Massaquoi reportedly went unanswered as of press time.

The controversy stems from a communication dated November 13, 2025, in which the Government of Liberia (GOL) informed the 55th Legislature of its decision to suspend the TIA/LTA Agreement for Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring Services—an agreement ratified by the 53rd Legislature in 2022. The Executive also requested lawmakers to initiate steps toward de-ratification of the concession, citing alleged irregularities in the procurement process.

TIA has denied allegations of fraud connected to the procurement process.

However, a Joint Legislative Committee reviewing the matter concluded that the dispute should be addressed through the mechanisms already provided within the agreement itself rather than through unilateral de-ratification.

The committee emphasized that the TIA/LTA Agreement contains a dispute settlement clause under Section 21.2, which binds all parties to established legal remedies, including renegotiation, amendment, or arbitration.

The committee further noted that Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions laws provide remedies for disputes arising from procurement processes and stressed that renegotiation remains the most appropriate course of action.

Lawmakers also referenced Article 25 of the Liberian Constitution, which protects contractual rights and prohibits government actions that impair legally binding agreements.

Based on these findings, the Joint Committee recommended that the Government of Liberia (GOL) pursue renegotiation with TIA rather than de-ratification of the contract.

The committee additionally pointed to several major concessions previously renegotiated by successive Liberian administrations instead of being cancelled outright, including agreements involving ArcelorMittal, Firestone, CTN, MedTech, and Liberia Traffic Management Inc.

According to the committee, maintaining consistency in the government’s handling of concession agreements is critical to preserving investor confidence and upholding Liberia’s contractual obligations.