Koon Sets Up Seven-Member Committee to Investigate Freeport Lease Deals, Gives Lawmakers Two Weeks

House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has constituted a seven-member specialized committee to investigate lease agreements, commercial properties, and occupancy arrangements at the Freeport of Monrovia, amid growing calls for transparency and accountability in the management of Liberia’s strategic maritime facility.

The committee's establishment follows a communication submitted by Montserrado County District #12 Representative Jerry Korlubah Yogboh, Sr., who is seeking comprehensive disclosure of lease arrangements between the National Port Authority (NPA) and individuals or businesses operating within the port. The lawmaker wants the House to establish how commercial properties are allocated and managed at the facility.

In his communication, Representative Yogboh called on the Managing Director of the NPA and relevant officials to provide a detailed report covering all lease agreements and occupancy arrangements. He specifically requested the identities of leaseholders, copies of agreements, lease durations, financial obligations, property descriptions, award procedures, and beneficial ownership information.

The Montserrado lawmaker also wants the port authority to account for expired, terminated, disputed, revoked, and reassigned leases, arguing that access to such information is necessary to strengthen legislative oversight and ensure transparency in the administration of the country's maritime assets.

The seven-member committee is chaired by Representative Priscilla Cooper, with Representative Samuel Brown serving as Co-Chair. Other members include Representatives Alex Noah, Nyahn Flomo, Rugie Barry, Austin Blidi Taylor, and Muka Kamara.

The committee has been mandated to examine the communication and investigate the lease agreements and related property arrangements at the Freeport of Monrovia. Its work is expected to establish whether the allocation and management of port properties are consistent with applicable procedures and accountability requirements.

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the full House of Representatives within two weeks, following which lawmakers will have the opportunity to consider the outcome and determine any further legislative action.