Monrovia, Liberia May 12, 2025 - In a remarkable display of leadership and inter-agency collaboration, the Ministry of Transport has successfully intervened to resolve a recent go-slow action by commercial drivers across Liberia. The protest action, which saw hundreds of commercial vehicles pulled off major highways, was triggered by allegations of excessive ticketing by Liberia National Police officers and the increasing number of security checkpoints disrupting the smooth flow of transportation.
The go-slow had caused serious inconveniences for citizens commuting between counties and within urban centers, leading to widespread concern about the availability of affordable public transport. Drivers complained that officers were issuing violation tickets with high and unjustified costs and that security checkpoints along various highways were too frequent, especially during night time hours.
In response, the Ministry of Transport, through its Division for Land Transport, took swift action. A high-level meeting was convened with the leadership of commercial drivers' unions from across the country, led by Director of Land Transport Mr. Jaspad White, Hon. Rudolph Natt Deputy Minister for Land and Rail Transport, , and Assistant Minister for Land and Rail Transport, Mr. Zunu Duyann.
After listening to the concerns of the drivers, the Ministry immediately facilitated a follow-up dialogue between the commercial drivers' leadership and top officials of the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the Police Headquarters in Monrovia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Inspector General of Police assured the commercial drivers that no officer will issue violation tickets exceeding twenty United States dollars (US$20). The LNP Chief also committed to reducing the number of security checkpoints, particularly during the night hours, to improve the flow of traffic and minimize delays for commercial transport operators and the traveling public.
The Deputy and Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Transport commended the Liberia National Police leadership for addressing the commercial drivers’ concerns in good faith. They also extended sincere appreciation to the heads of the drivers’ unions for constructively engaging with authorities and making the bold decision to return their vehicles to the roads.
“The Ministry of Transport remains committed to fostering dialogue and building trust among all transport sector stakeholders,” said Deputy Minister Rodulph Natt. “We thank the Liberia National Police for responding positively and the commercial drivers for resuming services in the interest of the public.”
“This resolution marks a new beginning in government-driver cooperation,” added Assistant Minister Zunu Duyann, “and the Ministry is determined to keep channels of communication open to prevent future misunderstandings.”
Commercial drivers across the country have now pledged to return their vehicles to the roads, providing critical transportation services to citizens in Monrovia, along inter-county highways, and across rural Liberia.
The Ministry of Transport reaffirms its commitment to ensuring safe, fair, and efficient road transport operations throughout Liberia and calls on all drivers and law enforcement agencies to uphold the spirit of mutual respect, professionalism, and accountability.