Monrovia, Liberia – A communication from Hon. Eugine J.M. Kollie, representative for Bong County Electoral District #5, has been forwarded by the Plenary of the House of Representatives to the Specialized Committee Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon established to investigate issues related to the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) operations at Liberia’s ports.
Representative Kollie’s request to invite Mr. Sahr H.W. Ngegba, who was identified as the original owner of the CTN Agreement signed in July 2018 between the Government of Liberia and Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions Holdings Ltd. (GTMS Holdings), to appear before the specialised committee led to the decision.
Representative Kollie stated that Mr. Ngegba’s participation before the committee would offer crucial information about the initial agreement and a later amended document known as the “CTN 2018_Liberia_Agreement”.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed engagement would help the committee comprehend possible inconsistencies related to the agreement, such as problems with documentation, the Liberian Special Purpose Vehicle’s (SPV) incorporation details, and any potential areas of concern that need more explanation.
A better understanding of the contractual intent, the legitimacy of the parties involved, and other pertinent issues required for the committee’s ongoing investigation might be obtained by gathering testimony and information from the original signature, Representative Kollie stressed.
He added that this material will help the committee make well-informed recommendations to the plenary at the end of its investigation. After discussion, the plenary decided to forward the information to the Specialised Committee, which is led by Representative Hon. Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County Electoral District 7, as part of its continuing inquiry into CTN operations and activities at the Republic of Liberia’s ports.
Addressing issues pertaining to national agreements and public sector operations, the House of Representatives continues to reiterate its dedication to openness, responsibility, and efficient oversight. Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), also known as ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) or BESC, is in more than 25 African countries. Customs officers at the destination can use it to trace goods, pre-screen imports, and prevent tax evasion or smuggling.
The Government of Liberia and Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions (GTMS) first signed the 2018 Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) agreement, which is a required shipping and cargo documentation contract. The Liberian government and GTMS formally altered and renegotiated the contract as a result of legislative and public criticism of unfavourable provisions.
The government’s share of CTN revenue increased dramatically, from just 2% to 40% for the first five years and 45% for the next five. Imports became less expensive. For example, a 20-foot container’s $130 CTN processing cost was lowered to $95. Additionally, export fees for a 20-foot container were lowered by 50%. All profits are now collected into a local temporary account, while the practice of transferring funds directly to offshore accounts has been abandoned.
Credit: HoR
