Commercial Drivers Demand Immediate Recall of Inspectors or Risk Nationwide Strike

Monrovia Liberia: A group of commercial drivers, organized under the Aggrieved Round Town Drivers Association, has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Transport, demanding the immediate recall of all inspectors and task forces from the streets. If their demand is not met by Monday, they warn of unspecified actions, including potentially halting all commercial vehicle operations.

The drivers accuse the Ministry of Transport of ongoing harassment, claiming that enforcement of transport regulations is being used as a cover for “clandestine deals.” They also allege that the Ministry has failed to properly inform drivers about new fare regulations, opting instead to deploy inspectors to interrogate passengers and impound vehicles.

If the situation is not resolved within the specified timeframe, the drivers have threatened to organize a mass demonstration at the E.J.S Ministerial Complex, effectively halting commercial transportation across the country. The drivers emphasize that such an action would have severe repercussions on Liberia’s economy, disrupting business activities and affecting the health sector, as well as hindering students’ access to education.

The drivers are calling for regular training on traffic laws, better understanding of road signs, and mandatory driving tests administered by the Ministry of Transport before drivers are authorized to work as commercial operators. They urge the Ministry to engage in constructive dialogue to avoid a shutdown and restore order to Liberia’s vital transportation sector.