A growing number of Liberians are appealing to the government to lift the suspension imposed on Telecom International Alliance (TIA), arguing that the move undermines fair competition and investor confidence in the country’s telecommunications sector.
The appeals were voiced during several live radio talk shows last week, where callers expressed concern over the prolonged suspension of the TIA agreement and its potential impact on regulatory consistency.
On Truth FM, Robert Johnson, a resident of King Gray, urged authorities to revisit the matter, noting that Liberia has faced similar disputes involving concession agreements in the past. “It is time for the government to look into this TIA concession,” Johnson said. “Technically, similar things have happened to other companies in the country.”
Jasper Kollie of Browerville criticized the suspension, warning that sidelining a company with an existing agreement sends the wrong signal to investors. “We think this is not good business practice to disallow one party that has a pending contract to be put off,” Kollie said, recommending that the government consider the legislative committee’s report.
Other callers echoed similar concerns, urging dialogue rather than outright replacement of the agreement. Mary Anderson, a management student at the University of Liberia, emphasized renegotiation. “For me, I think the government should call TIA and renegotiate the concession. Let the government tell them what is needed,” she said, adding that consultation remains the most effective way to resolve disputes.
Matthew Sumo, another student, cautioned against replacing an existing agreement before it is legally resolved. “Concession is a law. You have not cancelled the old one and you want to give it over to another company? This is not a good way to do business,” he said.
Background of the Dispute
The public debate centers on the Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring Services Agreement between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and TIA, ratified by the 53rd Legislature in 2022.
On November 13, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai formally notified the 55th Legislature of the Executive Branch’s decision to suspend the agreement, citing alleged irregularities. The communication was addressed to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
Following the suspension, a joint legislative committee was established to review the agreement. Reports indicate the committee recommended renegotiation or reinitiation rather than full cancellation. However, concerns have grown amid reports that the LTA is considering awarding similar services to NUMTEL Liberia while the TIA agreement remains unresolved.
Wider Implications
The controversy has reignited broader discussions about concession transparency, regulatory consistency, and Liberia’s investment climate. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes of this nature could discourage foreign investment and weaken confidence in the country’s governance of concession agreements.
Original reporting by Liberian Observer
