By: Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
The 55th House of Representatives has unanimously adopted a resolution requesting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. to temporarily suspend the operations of GLS Menzies and Express Handling Services (EHS) pending the outcome of investigations into the recent US$19.2 million drug seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The resolution, signed by 40 lawmakers, followed a communication from Sinoe County District #3 Representative Alex S. Noah, who raised concerns about the alleged connection between GLS-NAS Inc. and the narcotics shipment intercepted at the airport.
Lawmakers are calling on the Ministry of Justice and other relevant authorities to suspend the company’s operations at all ports of entry and require its Chief Executive Officer and General Manager to appear before plenary to explain the company’s activities and any possible links to the drug case.
The House also wants the company to provide all relevant documents, including concession agreements with the Government of Liberia.
Representative Noah argued that allowing the company to continue operating while investigations are ongoing could undermine Liberia’s anti-drug efforts and damage the country’s international reputation.
The resolution further noted that the company’s CEO, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), was recently suspended by President Boakai after being identified as a person of interest in the investigation.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously passed the resolution and instructed its Chief Clerk to forward the decision to the President for appropriate action.
