The ongoing political upheaval within the ruling Unity Party Alliance (UPA) is wreaking havoc on Liberia’s telecommunications sector, as factions within the party scramble to seize control of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority.
This internal power struggle, masked as a fight against corruption, is centered around a deliberate attempt to oust the current Chairman, Abdullah Kamara, a seasoned telecom expert with over 35 years of industry experience.
The turmoil erupted when a group of hardliners and influential party members, feeling a strong sense of entitlement, began maneuvering to unseat Kamara under the pretense of ethical governance.
Critics allege that these actors are motivated not by a genuine desire to eradicate corruption but by their own financial interests, as they aim to transform the LTA into a cash cow.
“We are witnessing a hijacking of a vital entity,” said one long-serving insider at the LTA who expressed distaste for the infighting.
“They have turned this institution into political theater instead of working to regulate the sector and raise the needed revenue for the poor people of this country.”
Under Kamara’s stewardship, the LTA has seen significant improvements in telecommunications revenue, which surged from $96 million in 2014 to over $174 million currently.
He has worked diligently to attract international investors and build a stable environment necessary for technological advancement—a direct contrast to the agenda of those seeking his removal.
In recent power grabs, Clarence Massaquoi and Patrick Honnah, both named acting commissioners in early 2024, have emerged as prominent figures trying to elevate their positions in the authority.
Massaquoi, in particular, is reportedly backed by political allies—including Deputy Minister of State for Administration Cornelia Kruah and several allied senators—who have been accused of orchestrating a flurry of political maneuvers to sideline Kamara.
However, Kamara is not without his supporters. Influential ministers and advisors close to the Executive Mansion, along with the full backing of the President, consistently praise his contributions to the telecommunications landscape.
Observers note that Kamara’s integrity and rising influence might pose a threat to entrenched power players, leading them to target him in a bid to consolidate their control.
The motivations behind this political vendetta are being scrutinized. Critics question Massaquoi’s remarkable ambition to lead the telecommunications sector despite having limited experience in the field. His expertise pales in comparison to Kamara’s record of both technical acumen and leadership capability.
Professional Competence and Experience
Abdullah Kamara
– ICT Experience: 35+ years of extensive experience in building telecom companies, crafting digital policy, and leading innovation across Africa.
– Proven Leadership: Over 25 years of experience overseeing national programs and managing multi-million dollar partnerships.
– Business & Jobs: Founded more than 8 tech businesses, creating over 75 jobs in Liberia.
– Real Philanthropy: Established Liberia’s largest private TVET school and funds scholarships from personal resources.
Clarence Massaquoi
– ICT Experience: 1 year in the telecommunications sector
– Proven Leadership:12 years in politics; lacks a notable record in technology or institutional building.
– Business & Jobs: No known ventures; no proven record of job creation or economic impact.
– Philanthropy: Primarily associated with government-funded initiatives.
As the Senate pushes to expedite Massaquoi’s confirmation amidst allegations that he barely grasps the complexities of the telecommunications sector, many wonder if this is more than just a standard appointment.
The rush to install a politically favored candidate appears to be a move orchestrated by party loyalists and lawmakers looking to consolidate their power while sidelining an experienced leader.
The telecommunications sector in Liberia is bracing for a shock. It remains to be seen whether the President can hold his ground against a well-organized opposition, or if Kamara’s integrity and contributions to the industry will be sacrificed to fulfill political agendas.
