Monrovia – In a formal ceremony held at the compound of the National Transit Authority (NTA), the African Media Network of Liberia bestowed its prestigious "Most Outstanding Public Servant of the Year 2024" award upon Hon. Edmund F. Forh, Managing Director of the NTA. The recognition, presented by Prince Grandoe, Chairman of the African Media Network of Liberia, honored MD Forh for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the revitalization and efficiency of Liberia's public transport system.

The award was based on an extensive voting process conducted by the media network, which assessed the performance of government officials and heads of autonomous agencies. Grandoe explained that Hon. Forh's leadership had brought remarkable transformation to the NTA, including improved accessibility to public transport for underprivileged Liberians and increased operational efficiency.

“We honor Hon. Edmund F. Forh for his effective, efficient, and robust leadership at the National Transit Authority. His policies have transformed the NTA, and his commitment has made affordable transportation accessible to struggling Liberians,” Grandoe remarked during the presentation of the award. He also highlighted specific achievements under Hon. Forh’s leadership, including the repair of 15 public transport buses that had been out of service for years, the creation of a stable work environment for employees, a cordial working relationship between him and his deputies and improvements in fuel storage and energy infrastructure at the NTA.

The African Media Network of Liberia emphasized the profound impact MD Forh has had on public transportation, as the repaired buses now serve communities across Liberia, offering affordable travel options. The installation of fuel tanks with enhanced monitoring systems has also improved the accountability and efficiency of the NTA, contributing to significant cost savings.

In response to receiving the award, Managing Director Edmund F. Forh expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to continuing the NTA’s reforms. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the NTA and detailed the progress made in the ongoing repairs of public transport buses.

“Our spare parts are here, and we are working hard to get those buses back on the road. If you look at the buses now, you can see the difference – before and after. We are ensuring that these buses are in better shape before we reintroduce them to the routes," MD Forh said.

He commended the NTA’s technical team, led by Hon. Noah Z. Gibson, for their tireless efforts in restoring the buses. MD Forh announced that, by the end of next month, the NTA expects to have at least 15 buses operational, with plans to reopen key routes across the country, including Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Kakata and others.

While acknowledging the complexities of the NTA's work, Hon Edmund F. Forh assured the public that the institution is negotiating with three international companies to acquire new buses. However, he pointed out the challenges posed by Liberia’s regulatory framework, such as adherence to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) and Ministry of Finance regulations, which sometimes cause delays in the procurement process.

The Managing Director expressed his appreciation for the African Media Network of Liberia’s recognition, stating, “Thank you for the recognition. It will serve as a basis on which we will continue to move forward and do even better for the Liberian people.”

Hon. Forh concluded by underscoring the NTA’s commitment to alleviating the transportation difficulties faced by many Liberians while ensuring that all procedures are meticulously followed to avoid future regulatory violations.

The ceremony, attended by staff of the NTA, members of the media, and distinguished guests, marked an important recognition of the efforts made by the NTA’s Management team to improve public services and restore confidence in Liberia’s transportation infrastructure.