Africa-Press – Liberia. The newly inducted President of the Liberia National Truckers Union (LNTU), Omaru A. Fofana, has issued a strong warning to foreign shipping companies, calling on them to immediately cease involvement in Liberia’s domestic trucking sector.
Fofana’s call came during his inauguration ceremony held over the weekend in Monrovia, where he and other newly elected officials formally took office.
Fofana, delivering his inaugural address, emphasized the urgent need to protect local truckers from what he described as the unfair encroachment of foreign interests.
“We strongly call on foreign shipping companies to stay out of local transportation services,” he declared. “These contracts belong to Liberian truckers. When foreign companies take them and subcontract to us at unfair rates, it strangles our growth. This must stop—not through protest—but through firm, constructive engagement.”
The LNTU president’s remarks were met with loud approval from union members and stakeholders present at the ceremony. Fofana was sworn in alongside other senior officials, including Abraham B. Mulbah, Sr. as vice president, Yahaya S. Kemokai as secretary general, Fatu S. Larkin as treasurer, Hassan Konneh as operations manager, and James Z. Kessely as deputy operations manager.
In a speech centered on unity, reform, and responsible leadership, Fofana also vowed to lead the LNTU toward professionalization and full regulatory compliance.
He cited longstanding challenges within the trucking sector, including the widespread operation of vehicles without valid documents, expired licenses, or proper insurance coverage.
“Too many of our trucks are on the road without proper documents—no maintenance, expired licenses, incomplete insurance, no road worthiness certificates,” he said. “Some of our own still view road safety as optional. This cannot continue.”
Fofana stressed that his leadership will focus on results, not rhetoric. “We must impress government and citizens with results—not noise,” he added.
The new LNTU president also highlighted several strategic reforms. Among them is the “Link to Parking Lab” project—a proposed trucking park designed to reduce urban congestion, improve parking systems, and create a more organized trucking environment.
He called on the National Port Authority (NPA) and APM Terminals to open the Amogo Gate, which he said would significantly ease traffic congestion in the busy Bushrod Island area.
“This gate sits right beside the compact site. Opening it will decongest traffic and streamline port logistics,” he explained.
Fofana also called for a shift in approach by the Liberia National Police (LNP), urging them to replace random fines and ticketing with education and engagement. “Random ticketing is not the solution to our challenges,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, James Bernard, Deputy Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), praised Liberia’s truckers as “the unsung heroes of trade and commerce,” calling on the newly installed LNTU leadership to lead with integrity and vision.
“Without the commitment of the men and women who navigate our roads day and night, our economy would grind to a halt,” Bernard said. “You are not just drivers—you are facilitators of trade, guardians of commerce, and vital contributors to national growth.”
He noted that the LNTU is not just a union, but a beacon for fair labor practices, road safety, and the protection of truckers’ rights.
Bernard also pointed out persistent challenges facing the industry — including deteriorating road conditions, delays at ports, unfair tariffs, and safety risks—and encouraged the union’s leadership to work collaboratively with stakeholders across the transport value chain to implement reforms.
“Leadership is not about titles. It’s about service and advocacy,” he said. “You must engage not just your members, but also customs authorities, port operators, government agencies, and the private sector.”
Fofana then called for unity and responsibility. “This is not a personal victory — it is a victory for every Liberian trucker. Let’s lead with discipline, unity, and vision. Liberia is watching us.”
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