-Under Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah’s stewardship
By Jerromie S. Walters
As President Joseph Nyuma Boakai contemplates investment opportunities to enhance various sectors and improve the living conditions of Liberians, the need for a reminder about the boiling point of a new and transformed Liberia, the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA), remains apt, as it holds the pillar of a new Liberia.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is an independent commission of government established by the Telecommunications Act 2007 and clothed with the authority to regulate the telecommunications sector of Liberia. As the world has speedily transformed into a digitized and modernized space, the need for the government to prioritize the LTA is imperative, especially under the current administration of Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah which appears to be committed to its national duties and President Boakai’s developmental drive.
In a rapidly evolving world of telecommunications, effective leadership is crucial for fostering growth, and progress. Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah, the current Head of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has demonstrated exceptional capabilities and accomplishments since her appointment.
Madam Zackpah possesses a wealth of expertise and experience in the telecommunications industry. Her visionary leadership has led to the implementation of effective policies, resulting in increased competition with the presence of multiple mobile service providers (including the government), improved access to affordable telecommunications services, and enhanced digital connectivity across Liberia. Her deep understanding of the sector’s intricacies enables her to make insightful decisions that drive progress.
Under Madam Zackpah’s leadership, the LTA has been committed to promoting digital inclusion in Liberia. With digital technologies becoming increasingly crucial for social and economic development, the need to bridge the digital divide is more pressing than ever. Through various initiatives, Madam Zackpah has worked tirelessly to expand telecommunications infrastructure to underserved areas
Embracing digital transformation is crucial for any nation’s progress. Madam Zackpah recognizes this and has been a strong advocate for promoting innovation and technological advancement within the telecommunications industry. Under her leadership, the LTA has facilitated the deployment of cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure, encouraged investment in research and development, and fostered an environment conducive to innovation.
Recently, Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah, Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Board of Directors, recently announced the LTA’s commitment to implementing President Joseph Boakai’s initiative to provide digital skills training for 10,000 young people within six months of his administration.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, Madam Zackpah emphasized that equipping 10,000 young Liberians with digital skills will drive ICT usage and contribute to the nation’s digital advancement. She stated that the program aims to foster digital literacy, prepare the youth for digital success, and bolster economic growth. “We are not just teaching technology; we are empowering our youth for job creation and economic prosperity. This initiative is both inclusive and ambitious, targeting 10,000 students from all 15 counties of Liberia, ensuring gender balance,” she explained in a video presentation played during her appearance.
As she remains committed to promoting President Boakai’s agenda, it unarguably clear that the success of the LTA is intrinsically linked to government investment. With this, adequate financial support from the government is crucial for sustaining the LTA’s initiatives, expanding telecommunications infrastructure, and funding critical projects that drive digital inclusion.
Increased investment will not only benefit Liberians by improving connectivity and access to telecommunications services but will also attract foreign investment, boosting the country’s economy. As widely known, one of the key reasons to invest in the LTA lies in its ability to enhance connectivity and communication infrastructure. By improving telecommunication networks, Liberia can bridge the digital divide, providing its citizens with access to reliable internet services.
This connectivity allows for increased communication opportunities, access to information, and participation in the global digital economy. Investing in the LTA would pave the way for efficient digital services, e-commerce platforms, and online education, thus opening doors for economic growth and development.
As Liberia struggles with a crumbling economy, investment in the LTA can significantly contribute to fostering economic growth in the West African state. With advanced telecommunications infrastructure, businesses can expand their operations and reach a broader customer base both domestically and internationally. Improved access to the internet would facilitate e-commerce, enabling Liberian businesses to compete globally and attract international investments. Furthermore, a thriving telecom sector encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, thereby boosting the country’s economy.
Education and Healthcare
The LTA’s investment can have a transformative impact on the education and healthcare sectors in Liberia. Access to reliable internet services enables digital learning platforms, empowering students and teachers with educational resources beyond traditional classroom settings. This would facilitate remote learning, improve curriculum delivery, and bridge educational gaps, especially in remote areas.
Similarly, telemedicine services made possible through improved telecom infrastructure can bring healthcare closer to underserved communities, offering remote consultations, telehealth services, and efficient data management systems, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
Governance and Services
Investing in the LTA can bolster governance and service delivery in Liberia. Improved communication networks allow for efficient government service delivery, enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
E-Government initiatives can streamline administrative processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape and facilitating ease of doing business. Accessible and efficient online services would eliminate physical barriers and make government services more accessible to all Liberians.
Job Opportunities
Investment in the LTA leads to direct and indirect job creation. The expansion and modernization of telecommunications infrastructure require skilled labor, offering employment opportunities to engineers, technicians, and IT professionals. Additionally, the growth of the telecom sector stimulates job generation in related industries such as content development, customer service, and marketing, creating a multiplier effect and stimulating economic activity throughout Liberia.
As present-day reality unfolds, it remains a proven fact that Investing in the Liberia Telecommunications Authority holds immense potential for transforming Liberia’s development landscape. Through strategic investment, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai can rally with Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah, the LTA’s current Boss, to spearhead the expansion and modernization of telecommunication infrastructure, leading to improved connectivity, economic growth, enhanced education and healthcare systems, efficient governance, and increased job opportunities.
LTA
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is an independent commission of government established by the Telecommunications Act 2007 and clothed with the authority to regulate the telecommunications sector of Liberia.
The LTA’s responsibilities include: Advise government on policy for the telecommunications sector, Develop and enforce Regulations, Decisions, Rules, and Orders for the telecommunications sector, License and authorize telecommunications service providers, services, and systems, Manage Liberia’s radio spectrum and numbering resources, Regulate and promote fair and effective competition within the telecommunications sector, and Regulate interconnection between telecommunications service providers and networks.
The institution is also charged with the responsibility to Establish and enforce safeguards for consumer protection, Approve telecommunications equipment and terminal devices connected to networks in Liberia, Resolve disputes between service providers, and between customers and service providers, Facilitate the development of the telecommunications sector, and promote the accessibility of affordable and reliable telecommunications services in Liberia.
