By Nathaniel Emmanuel Davis—
Monrovia, Liberia: Amid growing concerns over reported job cuts at the Ministry of Transport following a new operational concession, the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) has pushed back against criticisms—asserting its role as a game changer rather than a disruptor to the nation’s workforce. Over 250 Liberians are said to have been displaced as key functions of the Ministry were outsourced to LTM.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Fadi Awaida, Director of Operations and Projects at LTM, dispelled rumors of downsizing plans, assuring affected individuals that reemployment efforts were already underway. “We are planning to bring back 90 percent of the former workforce,” Awaida stated, emphasizing that the process would be based on fair and thorough qualification assessments.
He said the institution remains committed to improving traffic services nationwide and aims to build a more professional and efficient team capable of addressing Liberia’s transport challenges.
The controversy follows a series of protests by former Ministry of Transport employees who recently petitioned the 55th Legislature. At the heart of their grievances lies a 25-year, $50 million concession agreement signed between the Liberian Government and LTM to improve road safety and streamline traffic operations. The initiative—originally conceptualized under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and signed into law by President George Weah in 2019—has since been reinvigorated under the Boakai-Koung administration.
Despite its ambition to serve all road users—from motor vehicle operators to pedestrians—the project has faced setbacks, including delays and administrative bottlenecks.
Negative media reports have also sparked concerns around transparency and investor influence, though insiders say current efforts aim to resolve these tensions and push forward implementation.
Addressing rumors surrounding vehicle registration rights, sources clarified that the Justice Ministry was not pressured into granting such powers to Lebanese investors. Instead, a separate agreement had previously been signed by a former transport minister with an unrelated company.
With public sentiment hanging in the balance and the future of road management at stake, the government and LTM now face mounting pressure to ensure inclusive employment practices and uphold the agreement’s promise of safer, better roads for all Liberians.
