Boakai Administration Reverses Weah-Era Pact
Gove rnment Enforces 2018 Concession, Terminates Conflicting MDMC Deal to Uphold “Rule of Law President Joseph Boakai’s government has ordered the full implementation of a contentious 2018 traffic management concession with Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI), overturning a rival deal struck by his predecessor, George Weah, in a move officials claim restores “legal order” amid years of corporate and political wrangling. The Ministry of Justice announced Thursday that LTMI will assume exclusive control over Liberia’s vehicle registration, driver’s licensing, ticketing, and parking enforcement by February 3, 2025, following a Supreme Court battle and a Senate probe that condemned the Weah administration’s 2020 partnership with UAE-based Modern Development Management Corporation (MDMC) as “legally flawed.” Background & Legal Turmoil Ratified by Liberia’s Legislature in 2018, the LTMI concession was sidelined in 2020 when Weah’s Transport Ministry signed a conflicting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with MDMC. LTMI sued, alleging breach of contract, but the case languished under Weah’s tenure. Upon taking office in January 2024, Boakai mandated a review, with the Justice Ministry declaring the LTMI agreement “supreme” due to its legislative ratification. A Senate investigation later accused the Transport Ministry of “gross misstep” in endorsing MDMC’s pact without legal authority. Transition Plan MDMC must now halt operations, with the government pledging to streamline handover protocols. The Liberia National Police (LNP) will reject MDMC-issued documents starting February 2025, recognizing only LTMI credentials. Authorities vow “zero disruption” to public services during the shift. Political Implications The decision underscores Boakai’s pledge to rectify “past governance failures.” Critics, however, question LTMI’s capacity and allege opaque concession terms. Justice Minister Oswald Tweh dismissed concerns, stating: “The rule of law cannot bend to chaos. Liberia’s stability hinges on honoring binding agreements.” MDMC has yet to comment, though insiders warn of potential arbitration. For now, the Boakai administration appears resolved to close a chapter of legal limbo—even as debates over privatization of public services simmer. Source: Liberia Latest News TV