Published: June 13, 2024
MONROVIA – A contentious $25 million, 15-year cargo tracking contract, inked by the former CDC government under ex-President George Manneh Weah and Global Tracking Maritime Solutions (GTMS), is facing scrutiny. The contract, now being executed, bypassed the necessary approvals from key government ministries, agencies, and the National Legislature.
The Liberian Senate’s Plenary has initiated an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the Cargo Tracking Network (CTN) contract, signed on July 11, 2018, by the National Port Authority (NPA) and GTMS. The contract was signed by former NPA Managing Director Celia Cuffey Brown, former Finance Minister Samuel Tweh, and attested by Justice Minister Mua Dean.
During a public hearing on June 12, Ad-Hoc Committee Chairman Senator Amara Konneh stated that the hearing aimed to clarify the CTN agreement. “We want to assess and establish full compliance to Liberian laws and the execution of the contract consistent with what was agreed on. We also want to know about the financial management of this contract and all of the legal and regulatory compliances consistent with the Liberian laws,” Konneh explained.
However, key government officials revealed a lack of awareness about the contract. Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Executive Director Bodger Scott Johnson admitted, “The government, through the PPCC, has no recollection or documentation at PPCC on the GTMS contract.”
Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Director General Dorbor Jallah echoed this sentiment, stating, “We reviewed all of our files and realized that the LRA is in no knowledge of how this contract was consummated. Even though Global Tracking is a custom function, the LRA was not a party to this agreement. The LRA has no knowledge of how funds being collected under this arrangement are being disposed of.”
Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony Myers added, “The CTN has no apparent value in terms of its immediate effect on the commerce of the country, but its effect was price related, negatively impeding commercial activities in the country.” He emphasized that the ministry was not a party to the agreement and has recommended its review.
The Managing Director of the Freeport of Monrovia, Sekou Dukuly, highlighted deficiencies in the GTMS contract, stating that a committee had been set up to review it and make recommendations. The Commerce and Industry Ministry has also advanced recommendations to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai regarding the contract.
GTMS Managing Director Aminata Bangura defended the company, asserting that their operations are crucial for planning and security at the port. “It helps the port in planning and security and it also helps maritime organizations to know what exactly is plying the waters,” Bangura said.
Despite these justifications, the investigation revealed no records showing government revenue from the GTMS contract. Senators expressed concerns about the legality and transparency of the contract, describing the situation as “worrisome” and indicative of a multi-million dollar deal conducted in violation of Liberian laws.
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