Monrovia, Liberia — Political commentator Henry Pedro Costa has publicly accused Liberia’s Senate Pro-Tempore Nyongblee Karnga-Lawrence of pursuing port sector reform legislation for what he described as “self-serving and foreign-driven interests,” rather than for the decentralization and efficiency of port systems in Liberia as publicly claimed.
Speaking during an extended broadcast, Costa alleged that Karnga-Lawrence’s push to restructure Liberia’s port governance mirrors past controversial concession arrangements, including the long-criticized APM Terminals (formerly BMT) deal at the Freeport of Monrovia, which he said weakened national control and disadvantaged the country.
Costa claimed the senator’s proposed legislation sought to fragment the National Port Authority (NPA) and transfer its assets, regulatory authority, and revenue streams to a newly created agency governed by a nine-member board. According to Costa, the proposed structure would divert 10 percent of total port revenues nationwide to fund the new agency, a move he described as financially reckless and institutionally dangerous.
Presidential Veto and Legal Concerns
Costa cited President Joseph Boakai’s veto of the port reform bills as evidence that the legislation was flawed. He quoted extensively from the President’s veto message, which raised concerns that the bills would weaken the statutory authority of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), create conflicts of interest by consolidating regulatory, operational, and oversight functions in a single body
He also cited that the president’s veto highlights the bill’s intent of rendering existing maritime institutions partially redundant, transferring key maritime inspection and enforcement powers to a new agency, and proceeding without the involvement of key executive institutions, including the Ministries of Finance, Justice, and Transport.
According to Costa, the President emphasized that such sweeping reforms could not legally or prudently occur without executive branch participation and public hearings, neither of which, he alleged, took place.
Costa further alleged that despite the President’s objections, the revised version of the bill resubmitted to the Executive Mansion failed to address the core issues raised in the veto and instead reintroduced many of the same provisions.
Justice Ministry Opinion:
Costa also referenced a legal opinion from the Ministry of Justice, which he said supported the President’s concerns. According to Costa, the Justice Minister warned that excluding the executive branch from such significant legislative action sets a dangerous precedent, undermines inter-branch cooperation, and could destabilize Liberia’s democratic governance framework.
He quoted the opinion as stating that unilateral legislative restructuring of executive institutions risks eroding public confidence and could encourage future lawmakers to bypass constitutional collaboration mechanisms.
Allegations of Foreign Influence
In his most serious allegation, Costa claimed the legislative effort was being financed by a foreign billionaire whom he accused of exploiting African politicians to secure strategic infrastructure concessions. He alleged that the same individual had benefited from similar arrangements in other countries and was now seeking control over Liberia’s port assets.
Costa asserted that he possesses photographs, documents, and other materials purporting to show meetings between Senator Karnga-Lawrence, her associates, and foreign interests, though he did not publicly present the evidence during the broadcast.
Personal and Political Fallout:
Costa also addressed his past political support for Senator Karnga-Lawrence, stating that he played a significant role in her election campaigns, including fundraising and strategic support. He expressed disappointment that, in his view, the senator was now pursuing policies that contradict the interests of those who helped elevate her politically.
“I supported her when others opposed her,” Costa said, adding that he does not regret his past support but feels compelled to speak out now due to what he described as the seriousness of the issue.
As of publication, Senate Pro-Tempore Youngblee Karnga-Lawrence has not publicly responded to Costa’s allegations.
