The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Chairperson, Clarence K. Massaquoi, has categorically refuted what he calls baseless allegations propagated by the outlet Diaspora Alert, linking him to the recent leadership impasse at the House of Representatives.
The LTA, under Massaquoi’s leadership, remains steadfast in its mission to deliver accessible, affordable, and secure telecommunication services to the people of Liberia, undeterred by attempts to malign its reputation.
The Diaspora Alert report alleged that the LTA, led by former Representative Massaquoi, hired Cllr. H. Varney Sherman as outside legal counsel as a reward for his representation of the "Majority Bloc" during the House of Representatives’ leadership dispute.
It further claimed that the LTA provided financial support, including bribes, to House members to influence a resolution. Chairperson Massaquoi has dismissed these accusations as entirely unfounded, clarifying that no contract or retainer agreement exists with Cllr. Sherman for legal services. “These allegations are not only untrue but represent a deliberate attempt to distract from the LTA’s critical work,” Massaquoi stated.
In his counter, Mr. Massaquoi dismissed that neither he nor the LTA played any role in the House’s leadership impasse. “At no time did the LTA, individually or in association with any group, provide financial support or engage in any activities related to the removal of the Speaker or any aspect of the legislative dispute,” he declared.
Massaquoi underscored the LTA’s unwavering commitment to its statutory mandate, as outlined in the Telecommunications Act of 2007, to ensure effective, affordable, and secure telecommunication services for all Liberians.
Under his leadership, the LTA has prioritized transformative initiatives, including expanding rural access to reliable and affordable telecommunications and fostering regional integration through innovative policies.
A landmark achievement is the recent rollout of a historic roaming agreement in collaboration with regional telecom regulators, designed to reduce cross-border communication costs for travelers.
This initiative marks a significant step toward seamless regional connectivity, benefiting Liberians and enhancing economic opportunities.
The LTA has also intensified efforts to improve service delivery, particularly for rural communities, ensuring access to modern telecommunication infrastructure. Additionally, the authority is working to enable monetization opportunities from global social media platforms, empowering Liberian content creators and businesses.
“These are the priorities that deserve our time and energy,” Massaquoi said. “Our team is focused on delivering measurable results that enhance the lives of Liberians, not engaging in political maneuvering.”
Massaquoi praised the overwhelming support from Liberia’s telecommunication consumers and stakeholders, particularly those in rural areas, who have embraced the LTA’s efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service quality.
He called on all Liberians, including Diaspora Alert and foreign residents, to join the LTA’s “revolutionary and deliberate transformational agenda” and resist distractions from baseless allegations.
“Our work is about uniting Liberians through better connectivity, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that every citizen benefits from the digital age,” he said.
The LTA remains committed to transparency, integrity, and excellence in fulfilling its mandate.
Chairperson Massaquoi reiterated that the authority will not be swayed by attempts to undermine its progress. “We are here to serve the people of Liberia, and no amount of false narratives will deter us from that mission,” he affirmed.
