The Senate’s Transportation Committee, led by Senator Saah Joseph, opened a highly charged series of public hearings this week to investigate the controversial Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) deal, an agreement signed by the former administration in 2022. The deal, which proposes outsourcing vital elements of Liberia’s traffic management system to the private company LTM, has sparked significant debate among government entities and raised fears of job loss, accountability issues, and loss of control over critical public services.
The proposed agreement would grant LTM authority over primary traffic management functions, including issuing driver’s licenses, vehicle plates, and registrations, effectively placing much of Liberia’s traffic infrastructure under private control. While proponents argue that the deal could modernize traffic management, opponents are concerned that it threatens public jobs and places essential services in the hands of a private entity with limited accountability.
The hearings at the Capitol included testimonies from representatives of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Justice, each voicing critical concerns over the deal’s implications. Among the most vocal opponents was the Ministry of Transport, which highlighted that the agreement could displace nearly 200 Liberian workers currently employed in traffic enforcement and administration. These concerns underscore fears that outsourcing could erode employment opportunities and undermine national control over public safety.
Despite the urgency of the matter, proceedings were interrupted when Senator Joseph was forced to adjourn due to the lack of critical documentation from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Justice, and LTM representatives. These documents, including financial forecasts, terms of operation, and impact assessments, are essential to fully understanding the agreement’s repercussions for Liberia’s workforce and public safety.
Senator Joseph expressed frustration at the delays, stating, “Without these key documents, our investigation is hindered. The absence of transparency on this issue is troubling and suggests that stakeholders may be reluctant to disclose the full terms and consequences of this deal.”
The committee has since rescheduled the hearings, emphasizing its commitment to acquiring all necessary data before making any recommendations. The delay, however, has heightened public suspicion around the deal, with citizens and civil society groups questioning whether it truly serves the country’s best interests.
The LTM deal has ignited concerns over job security and the accountability of a privatized traffic management system. Critics argue that as a private entity, LTM may not prioritize the same transparency, efficiency, and public welfare standards that government agencies must uphold. The potential displacement of 200 Liberian workers has added fuel to the backlash, with union representatives and advocacy groups calling for a thorough evaluation of the agreement’s impact on local employment.
“Outsourcing these roles threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of Liberians,” said a spokesperson for the Transport Workers Union. “We fear that LTM’s profit-driven motives could compromise the quality and accessibility of these essential services.”
The Ministry of Justice has also raised concerns over potential conflicts between the government’s enforcement role and the functions outsourced to LTM. Some Ministry officials argue that privatizing traffic management could complicate the chain of command and weaken the government’s control over public safety and enforcement operations. The Liberia National Police (LNP) echoed these sentiments, stressing that a private operator might lack the commitment to security protocols and public accountability that government oversight provides.
The Ministry of Transport, meanwhile, questioned the deal’s long-term benefits, challenging claims that it would lead to operational efficiencies. “Modernizing traffic management is necessary, but not at the cost of Liberian jobs or national autonomy,” argued a Ministry representative. This deal risks compromising our sovereignty over essential public services.
There have been many calls for greater scrutiny of the LTM deal as the Senate’s Transportation Committee resumes its investigation. Civil society groups are urging lawmakers to reject any agreement that may disadvantage local workers or weaken national oversight. The absence of critical documents has added urgency to these calls, underscoring the need for a transparent process that involves all stakeholders and prioritizes public interests.
Senator Joseph reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to ensuring a fair assessment, emphasizing that no decision will be made until all facts are bare. “This is a matter of national interest, and we will not proceed without full disclosure. The future of Liberia’s traffic management, public jobs, and citizen safety is at stake,” he declared.
The hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with stakeholders now under pressure to present comprehensive documentation that addresses these concerns. As scrutiny intensifies, the fate of the LTM deal remains uncertain, and public trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and national interests is at a critical juncture.
