Orange Liberia Chief Executive Officer Jean Marius Yao has been summoned to appear before the House of Representatives through its Ad-hoc committee investigating persistent telecommunications network issues, or be held in contempt.
During a hearing on Monday, February 17, 2025, the Ad-hoc committee said that Orange CEO Yao was absent from the public hearing without any responsible excuse.
The decision was triggered by a motion filed by Nimba County Representative Dorwohn Gleekia who reported that for the past eight years while serving on the Committee on Post and Telecommunications, Orange CEO Yao has always disrespected invitations from the House of Representatives.
He said the delegation representing Orange Liberia is excused from the hearing and CEO Yao should appear on February 20, 2025 at 10:00 am. The failure of Orange Liberia CEO Yao would constitute an obstruction of legislative functions and could lead to contempt charges.
It can be recalled that House of Representatives established an ad hoc committee to investigate persistent telecommunications network issues in parts of Liberia, particularly in the southeastern region.
The committee was tasked with probing GSM providers Lonestar MTN and Orange Liberia, along with regulators such as the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
The decision was based on a communication from Maryland County Electoral Districts 2 and 3 lawmakers, who highlighted the devastating impact of unreliable network services on citizens in the southeastern region.
The lawmakers said the poor network has significantly disrupted daily life, causing economic hardships, impeding business operations, and affecting mobile money services critical for financial transactions.
By Tonita N. Copson
