By Myean D. Torgbean
A growing number of Liberian creatives and entertainment industry stakeholders are voicing strong concerns over new licensing fees introduced by the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), questioning both the timing and the benefits of the policy.
Among those speaking out is brand ambassador Grace Hawa Weah, widely known as Master Queen, who criticized the move as unfair given the current state of the industry. She questioned what entertainers are being licensed for and whether the system offers any real support, arguing that the sector remains largely underdeveloped and unmonetized.
Promoter and event planner Sam Payedoo, also known as DJ Wee Zy, echoed similar concerns. He stressed that the government should prioritize creating avenues for creatives to earn from their work before introducing licensing requirements. According to him, many young creators in Liberia rely solely on passion, with limited or no income from digital platforms.
Music executive Lyee K. Bility also weighed in, describing the push for registration as premature. He noted that the industry still lacks essential structures such as intellectual property protection, reliable royalty systems, and broader institutional support. While acknowledging his compliance with tax obligations through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), he argued that additional licensing demands must be matched with tangible value for creatives.
Meanwhile, Anthony M. Fofana, president of the Liberia Bloggers Association, criticized the policy in stronger terms, describing it as an added burden on citizens already struggling to generate income. He also referenced past government actions affecting informal workers, warning that such measures could further strain livelihoods.
The backlash highlights broader concerns about the state of Liberia’s creative economy, with many stakeholders calling for policies that prioritize monetization, opportunity creation, and industry development before enforcement of new fees.
