The leadership of the House of Representatives, has invited authorities at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Customs Brokers, Commerce Ministry, APM Terminals, Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions Incorporated (GTMS), and Mectech to appear before plenary.
The invited entities are expected to appear before plenary by Tuesday, May 26, over allegations that surround “controversial shipping tracking fees” imposed on importers nationwide.
The lawmakers’ decision follow a communication from Grand Bassa County District #2 Representative, J. Clarence T. Banks.
Banks had submitted the communication to plenary during Tuesday’s (May 12) sitting, asking fellow lawmakers to investigate a “financial exploitation affecting Liberian importers and businesses.”
Rep. Banks said, the GTMS was established during former President George Weah’s administration (2018-2024), and “imposed excessive charges on importers bringing containers and vehicles into the country through shipping vessels.”
Importers, he said, are required to pay at least US$225 before they obtain Central Tracking Numbers to enable containers and goods to be legally loaded on vessels destined for Liberia from foreign ports.
Banks further alleged that the prolonged delays in obtaining Central Tracking Numbers caused importers to lose goods, pay additional warehouse charges, transportation costs, and missing scheduled shipments, thereby increasing financial burdens on struggling Liberian businesses annually.
Rep. Banks said, the tracking system significantly contributed to rising commodity prices nationwide.
He described the arrangement as another “tariff burden” which slowed infrastructure development.
Bakks urged his colleagues to invite institutions responsible to provide clarity before plenary for the betterment of the country.
Interesting to see so many entities involved. What’s the overall vibe they’re aiming for with this collaboration?