By Stephen N. Tokpah
(Freelancer)
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has concluded a one-day public consultation awareness on the LTA Draft and Consumer Protection Regulation in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is the regulatory and competition authority charged with the statutory responsibility to ensure a vibrant telecommunications sector in Liberia.
The LTA was created by the Telecommunications ACT of 2007 (Telecom Act 2007), which repealed in its entirety Act No. 18 of the erstwhile National Transitional Legislative Assembly of Liberia creating an Interim Framework for Telecommunications Regulation in September 2005.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the consultation in Gbarnga, Bong County, on August 10, 2024, Ban A. Fofana, Commissioner Responsible for Licensing and Regulations said the draft consumer protection regulations is intended to widen the public understanding regarding the importance of the regulation
The LTA Commissioner Responsible for Licensing and Regulations said Liberia’s first consumer protection regulations are part of an effort to inform and safeguard the rights of all Liberians who are users of telecommunications in Liberia.
He said the LTA Public Consultation and Consumer Protection Regulation awareness campaign, which was conducted with stakeholders and citizens in Liberia, is to offer feedback, review, and discuss the draft consumer protection regulations.
During the consultation awareness, Abdullah L. Kamara, Acting Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), emphasized the importance of consumer protection awareness, adding that these regulations will address critical issues such as fair pricing and data protection.
“We are here to guide and protect the consumers and their rights,” Kamara, said.
The Acting Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA further revealed that there is widespread understanding of the implementation of the LTA, adding “We are conducting a nationwide awareness across the country and this awareness is intended to make sure every Liberian is informed about the new regulations and how they can benefit from them.
Kamara urged the citizens to actively participate in refining the regulations.
“Our team is engaging every citizen in various Counties across Liberia to gather their input and ensure these regulations are effective,” he added.
Also speaking, the LTA Consumer Affairs Department head, Lekpele Nyamalon, said the LTA is now leading the review process.
He also highlighted the significance of the new regulations.
“This regulation is designed to be comprehensive and responsive to both consumer and industry needs. They include measures to prevent misleading advertising and ensure fair pricing. A key component of the regulations is the establishment of a consumer support center. This center will serve as a resource for consumers to resolve issues with their service providers and handle unresolved complaints,” Nyamlon noted.
The LTA’s initiative underscores a commitment to creating a fair and transparent telecommunications environment in Liberia, aligning with international standards and addressing long-standing consumer concerns.
The program was held under the theme: “Consumer Protection Regulations for Quality of Service.”
