By: Julius Konton
Former National Port Authority (NPA) Comptroller J. Franklin W. Sarkoh II has lauded the Board of Directors, Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly, and the Authority’s management team for what he described as a landmark decision to permanently employ more than 400 Liberian contractors, calling the move a defining milestone in the institution’s history and a testament to people-centered leadership.
In a congratulatory statement, Sarkoh said the decision represents more than an employment initiative, it reflects a commitment to institutional continuity, social responsibility, and sustainable national development.
“The permanent employment of over 400 Liberian contractors is an unprecedented achievement that demonstrates leadership rooted in humanity and service,” he said.
“The true measure of leadership is not merely financial performance, but the positive and lasting impact it has on the lives of ordinary citizens.”
The National Port Authority, established in 1961, manages Liberia’s four commercial seaports in Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper.
The Freeport of Monrovia alone handles the overwhelming majority of Liberia’s international maritime trade, making the Authority one of the country’s most strategic state-owned enterprises and a vital contributor to economic growth, trade facilitation, and government revenue.
Liberia’s maritime sector remains central to the country’s economy, with seaborne trade accounting for more than 90 percent of the nation’s imports and exports, underscoring the significance of reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and workforce stability.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Reform
While applauding the current administration, Sarkoh also reflected on reforms implemented during his tenure as Comptroller, describing them as foundational measures that restored financial stability and improved employee welfare.
Among the most significant human resource reforms, he recalled transforming more than 400 casual laborers, who were earning only US$60 per month under uncertain employment arrangements, into permanent contractors with legally protected contracts.
The reforms increased their monthly earnings by more than 230 percent, from US$60 to US$200, while introducing broader personnel initiatives that included promotions, salary adjustments, performance-based recognition, staff regularization, and the recruitment of qualified Liberians to strengthen institutional capacity.
“Restoring dignity to workers was as important as restoring financial stability to the institution,” Sarkoh noted.
Sarkoh highlighted several financial achievements recorded during his administration, saying the reforms helped reposition the NPA as one of Liberia’s strongest public enterprises.
According to him, the administration:
Stabilized the Authority’s financial operations and restored liquidity despite inherited fiscal challenges.
Mobilized approximately US$17 million in revenue within just two and a half fiscal quarters during FY2018.
Developed debt recovery mechanisms that pursued more than US$7 million in outstanding receivables from China Union, significantly improving cash flow.
Renegotiated key commercial agreements with APM Terminals, generating an additional US$1.25 million in revenue while improving the Authority’s revenue-sharing arrangement to 65–35 percent after operational expenses.
Introduced an integrated Operational Expenditure (OPEx) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEx) budgeting framework to support long-term infrastructure development.
Facilitated the NPA’s historic US$5 million contribution to Liberia’s FY2018/2019 National Budget, the first direct contribution of its kind by the Authority.
Established a US$1.25 million escrow account dedicated to port modernization and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, an internationally recognized maritime security framework.
Strengthened internal financial controls and consolidated reporting across Liberia’s four commercial ports, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Maintained uninterrupted salary payments, vendor settlements, and statutory obligations despite significant financial constraints.
Building Institutions Through Continuity
Sarkoh stressed that enduring institutional success depends on successive administrations building upon previous achievements rather than abandoning them.
He praised the current leadership for continuing reforms that strengthen the NPA’s operational capacity while improving the welfare of its workforce.
“Strong institutions are built through continuity, not competition,” he said.
“Leadership should never be a contest of personalities but a continuous commitment to stewardship, accountability, and nation-building.”
He added that Liberia’s long-term economic aspirations depend heavily on resilient public institutions capable of modernizing infrastructure, improving governance, attracting investment, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Concluding his remarks, Sarkoh congratulated Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly, the Board of Directors, and the entire management team, expressing confidence that the Authority would continue serving as a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic transformation.
“As Liberia’s principal maritime gateway continues to evolve, decisions that prioritize people while strengthening institutions will leave a legacy that extends far beyond any single administration,” he said. “May the National Port Authority continue to grow from strength to strength, inspiring confidence, advancing national development, and improving the lives of the Liberian people.”
