By: Staff Writer

MONROVIA – As part of Liberia’s ongoing fight against corruption, the President of the National Publisher Network of Liberia, Civil Society Mogul and renowned anti-corruption advocate Alfred G. Togbah Sr. has lodged a formal complaint against Sekou A.M. Dukuly, Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

Togbah alleges that Dukuly engaged in a “burst deal” by unilaterally awarding Millions of United States Dollars marine services agreement to APM Terminals without the necessary legislative approval or adherence to public procurement regulations.

According to Togbah, the agreement, established on July 30, 2024, raises serious concerns about transparency and governance. The NPA has faced scrutiny for its handling of port services since the government’s 2010 Port Sector Reform Program aimed at improving efficiency and productivity.

Togbah’s complaint centers around a five-year renewable marine services agreement that grants APM Terminals exclusive rights to operate within a 30-mile radius of the Freeport of Monrovia. Critics, including Togbah, argue that the NPA’s actions violate the Public Authorities Law, which mandates compliance with legislative oversight and procurement processes for contracts of such magnitude.

He believes that granting such a significant contract without public scrutiny is not only a breach of the law but also undermines public trust in our institutions, further calling on President Boakai to Immediately dismiss and prosecute the NPA Direct for Understanding the country’s procurement policy.

The marine services agreement between the NPA and APM Terminals includes provisions for extensive operations at the port, which are expected to significantly impact local maritime activities. The NPA has claimed that the deal is essential for enhancing port efficiency and is in line with existing agreements made back in 2010.

However, the lack of legislative involvement in renewing this agreement raises alarms among civil society and opposition leaders, who argue that it could lead to the misallocation of public resources and benefits.

Reactions to Togbah’s allegations have been swift with members of the Liberian Senate creating keen interest in the alarming called. Sources have informed “The People Newspaper” that Mr. Dukuly is expected to appear before the house of Parliament to answer questions in relations to his action.

Meanwhile, Dukuly has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. Observers speculate that if the LACC finds sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, it could trigger wider investigations into the NPA’s contracts and governance practices.

Alfred G. Togbah Sr.’s bold move against the NPA’s leadership marks a significant moment in Liberia’s struggle for transparency and accountability. As the LACC begins its investigation, the spotlight will remain on the NPA and its handling of public resources, raising critical questions about governance and integrity of president Boakai’s Administration in the nation’s public institutions. The outcome of this controversy could set a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in Liberia.