Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Liberian Senate has launched an inquiry into the prolonged and legally contentious suspension of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), following a formal complaint by Bomi County Senator Edwin M. Snowe.
The Senate Plenary has tasked its Committees on Post and Telecommunications and Judiciary to investigate the matter, as concerns mount over what Snowe describes as a blatant disregard for due process. In his communication to Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Snowe warned that the indefinite suspension—without formal charges or judicial proceedings—sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law.
Presidential Suspension Without Closure
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai suspended the LTA Board on April 26, 2024, citing alleged financial irregularities. The General Auditing Commission (GAC) was subsequently ordered to conduct a full investigation. However, nearly a year later, no audit report or findings have been presented to the Legislature, Snowe revealed.
Adding to the controversy, the suspended commissioners—Chairperson Edwina C. Zackpah and Commissioners Israel Akinsanya, Zotawon D. Titus, James Gbarwea, and Osborne K. Diggs—remain in limbo. Despite the suspension order not explicitly halting their salaries and benefits, they continue to be denied these entitlements.
Supreme Court Intervention and Executive Defiance
President Boakai’s move to suspend the entire LTA leadership ignited fierce legal and political debates. The Supreme Court of Liberia intervened, issuing a stay order to halt the suspension and cautioning the Executive against actions that could infringe on the constitutional rights of the affected officials.
However, in a move that has raised constitutional alarms, Boakai proceeded to appoint new officials in acting capacities, effectively sidelining the suspended commissioners. The current acting leadership at the LTA includes Abdullah Kamara as Acting Chair, along with Patrick Honnah, Clarence Massaquoi, Angela Bush, and Ben Fofana.
Legal analysts and lawmakers have questioned the legitimacy of these appointments, given the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling. The situation has fueled speculation about executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority.
Senate Demands Answers
With concerns deepening, the Senate Plenary has mandated its committees to probe the circumstances surrounding the extended suspension and the apparent standoff between the Executive and Judiciary. The committees are expected to present their findings and recommendations in the coming weeks.
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