IPNEWS: In a momentous decision during its 13th Day sitting of the third quarter of the sixth session on Thursday, members of the House of Representatives voted unanimously to recall the Telecommunication International Alliance (TIA) Investment Contract.
The contract, previously passed by the 54th Legislature, faced scrutiny upon the notice of an alteration, specifically an addendum to the amended and restated agreement.
This addendum pertained to the provision of equipment and training for the monitoring of voice, data, mobile money traffic, and the management of fraud between Telecom International Alliance, Inc. (TIA) and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA).
The matter was brought to the forefront as the communication regarding the alteration was discussed, prompting the House to commission an investigation by the plenary. After thorough consideration and in-depth examination of the circumstances, the House endorsed the Committee Post and Telecommunication report, leading to the unanimous decision to recall the instrument.
The House has provided the following recommendations in light of its decision:
- Reinstatement of Omitted Portion: The committee, after careful review based on laws and facts, resolved that the omitted portion of the agreement, as passed by the 54th Legislature on October 27, 2022, be included. This portion states, “That the agreement shall be reviewed after every five (5) years, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement.”
- Removal of Twenty (20) Years Clause: The House recommends the removal of the twenty (20) years clause, which suggests, “Therefore, an extended period in the contractual relation of twenty (20) years will allow TIA to recoup its investment and be less costly for the LTA in trying to develop monitoring solutions.”
The decision to recall the contract was followed by a communication from Hon. Dr. Isaac B. Roland, Representative, Electoral District #3, Maryland County, further emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in matters of national significance.
