Liberian Senate probes high port charges
Lawmakers summon port operators and government agencies over cargo clearing fees and delays at Freeport of Monrovia.
The Liberian Senate has summoned port operators and government agencies to explain high cargo clearing fees and long delays at the Freeport of Monrovia. Gbarpolu County Senator Amar M. Konneh raised concerns Tuesday about operational inefficiencies and high costs affecting importers, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Containers have reportedly spent over 30 days at sea before berthing, with vessels diverted to neighboring ports due to inadequate space and dredging delays.
Senator Konneh stated these delays hurt business inventories, tie up capital, cause stock-outs, and impose heavy demurrage costs. He questioned opaque charges from APM Terminals, MEDTECH, and GTMS, arguing these costs increase commodity prices despite falling inflation. Konneh noted that port inefficiencies could undermine the government's macroeconomic stabilization program, discouraging investment and eroding purchasing power.
The Senate requested appearances from the National Port Authority, APM Terminals Liberia, MEDTECH, GTMS, Liberia Revenue Authority, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Customs Brokers Association. A hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday to discuss port dredging, berthing capacity, storage limitations, fees, and congestion reduction measures. The summoned institutions have not yet responded to the allegations.
Why it mattersOrdinary Liberians face high commodity prices and reduced purchasing power due to port inefficiencies.