By Preston Slami Panyonnoh
Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has formally nominated three prominent Liberians to serve as Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). The nominees; Patrick Honnah, Angela Cassell-Bush, and Ben Fofana, were named during the Senate’s session on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and are now poised to face confirmation hearings in the coming days.
The trio had previously served in acting capacities, where their roles, though instrumental, were limited in authority. As acting commissioners, they were restricted from making high-level policy decisions, signing off on major regulatory actions, or concluding binding agreements on behalf of the LTA. These limitations created operational bottlenecks and weakened the LTA’s ability to regulate Liberia’s growing telecommunications sector effectively.
Their official confirmation will not only legitimize their appointments but also restore full institutional authority to the LTA’s leadership. This move is seen by many as a critical step in strengthening the telecommunications governance landscape in Liberia.
The LTA plays a central role in the oversight, regulation, and promotion of telecommunications services in Liberia. With the sector evolving rapidly, there is increasing demand for visionary leadership capable of ensuring transparency, expanding access, promoting fair competition, and overseeing licensing and spectrum management.
Patrick Honnah, a respected journalist and media executive, brings decades of experience in communication and public affairs. Angela Cassell-Bush, a seasoned administrator and former Minister of Gender, has been lauded for her leadership acumen and public service record. Ben Fofana, a telecommunications policy expert, is widely recognized for his work in digital policy and ICT strategy across West Africa.
Stakeholders within the telecommunications industry have expressed cautious optimism over the nominations. Many see this as a much-needed step toward restoring regulatory independence and stability to the LTA, which has faced governance gaps and leadership uncertainties in recent years.
“The confirmation of these commissioners is not just procedural; it’s about giving the LTA the legal and executive teeth it needs to function effectively,” said a senior staffer within the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, who asked not to be named.
With confirmation, the new commissioners will be empowered to spearhead critical reforms, including revisiting outdated licensing frameworks, enforcing compliance among telecom operators, enhancing consumer protection measures, and coordinating Liberia’s transition to 5G and improved broadband infrastructure.
The Liberian Senate is expected to begin vetting the nominees within the week. If confirmed, Honnah, Cassell-Bush, and Fofana will assume full statutory authority and serve for a fixed term as outlined under the Telecommunications Act.
As Liberia deepens its digital agenda, the leadership of the LTA will remain central to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that telecommunications remain a tool for national development, transparency, and economic empowerment.
