The Plenary of the House of Representatives has mandated a specialized committee to investigate the Minister of Justice, Transport, and the Management of Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI) through its CEO, Mr. Mohamed Abou Darwich, over a recent announcement regarding the issuance of driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.
A statement issued by the House Press Bureau says this action, according to lawmakers, encroaches on a primary function of the Ministry of Transport, which has already been contracted to the Modern Development and Management Corporation (MDMC) through a competitive bidding process overseen by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC).
Plenary’s decision was triggered by a communication from Montserrado County Electoral District # 4 Representative Michael Thomas, who highlighted that the Ministry of Transport was established by an Act of the National Legislature on August 25, 1987, to regulate and administer transport, insurance, and maritime policies in Liberia.
Representative Thomas explained that on December 21, 2018, the Ministry of Transport entered into a concession agreement with LTMI, granting the company the responsibility to perform specific services that do not interfere with the ministry’s core functions, as outlined in the 1987 Act.
These services include: Traffic Ticket Management System, Vehicle Towing and Impound Management System, City Parking System, Vehicle Inspection System and Driver Testing and Certification.
The Montserrado County legislator expressed concern that LTMI recently informed the public about its intention to commence issuing driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, thereby overstepping its authorized role and conflicting with the agreement between the Ministry of Transport and MDMC.
He further asserted that there are growing suspicions that the original copy of the concession agreement has been altered, necessitating an inquiry by the House of Representatives.
To address these concerns, the House of Representatives has appointed the following members to the specialized committee: Clarence Gahr – Chair, Sekou Kanneh – Co-Chair, Momo Siafia Kpoto, Jeremiah Sokan, Mohamed Dosi, Samson Wiah and Obediah Varney
The proponent of the communication Michael Thomas as Resource Person and the committee has been given a two-week mandate to thoroughly investigate the matter and report its findings to the Plenary for necessary actions.
