Interview By Penresea International | Scheduled for Forbes Africa – January 2026 Edition
On May 16, 2025, Penresea International, a leading global media agency, conducted an insightful interview with Edmund F. Forh, the Managing Director of the National Transit Authority (NTA). The 30-minute discussion, led by reporters Olivera Petrovic and Betty Buyu, touched on the NTA’s pivotal role in transforming Liberia’s transportation infrastructure and the exciting plans ahead for the country’s growth in both transportation and investment opportunities. The full report will be published in Forbes Africa in January 2026.
In the interview, Forh highlighted the NTA’s foundational mandate, which allows the National Transit Authority to oversee all modes of transport within Liberia, including road, rail, and water services. He also shared exciting developments, including plans for postal services in collaboration with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
The Managing Director spoke candidly about the state of the NTA when he took office and emphasized the progress made since then. Through decisive administrative actions and a strategic five-year plan, the NTA is steadily moving toward restoring and surpassing its pre-2018 operational standards.
One of the most anticipated announcements from Forh was the NTA’s partnership with ABK Incorporated, a Liberian business group, to procure 60 new vehicles. This includes 30 sixty-two seater buses, 25 twenty-eight-seater minibuses, and 5 cargo trucks, marking a significant leap in Liberia’s public and freight transport capabilities.
“For the first time ever, we’re introducing a cargo transport service through the NTA,” Forh revealed. He also detailed the partnership with the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA), aimed at improving the transportation of goods across the country thereby helping local businesses and contributing to the national economy.
Prior to the Ebola outbreak, Liberia’s federal roads lacked regular bus services. The new fleet of buses will address this gap, ensuring that both urban and rural areas are better connected. Additionally, NTA plans to introduce affordable transport services specifically designed for government employees and students, further easing the burden on the population.
Forh shared his vision for expanding the NTA’s presence within the West African region. He pointed to the World Bank’s West Africa Regional Transport and Transit Facilitation Project, which is designed to enhance trade and mobility across the Mano River Union countries. The NTA is actively working to integrate its services into this initiative, ensuring that Liberia plays an integral role in regional trade.
“Our ultimate goal is for NTA’s services to have a regional impact, extending beyond Liberia to neighboring countries,” said Forh, emphasizing the importance of cross-border transport in boosting trade and economic cooperation in West Africa.
In the face of growing demands for efficiency, the NTA is investing heavily in technology to optimize operations. Forh explained that GPS and real-time tracking systems will soon be integrated into all NTA vehicles, allowing for better route management, fewer delays, and a more efficient use of resources. Passengers will also benefit from a new mobile app that will let them track bus and truck arrivals in real time, reducing wait times and preventing overcrowding at stations. This digital transformation is part of the NTA’s on-going efforts to modernize Liberia’s transportation infrastructure.
Forh proudly shared the significant strides NTA has made in the short term, including the repair of 15 damaged buses, the improvement of fuel storage facilities, and the installation of new lighting and backup generators at NTA’s compound. Looking toward the long term, the Managing Director discussed ambitious plans to complete and expand the NTA’s network of transit terminals across Liberia. New bus stops and shelters will be built with amenities such as restrooms, mini-shops, and restaurants for passengers. Additionally, the NTA aims to complete the construction of a new administrative headquarters, replacing the building destroyed by fire in 2022.
By the end of 2025, Forh targets expanding the NTA’s fleet to 300 vehicles to meet the country’s transportation needs.
When asked about Liberia’s potential as a tourism investment destination, Forh was enthusiastic. He pointed out that the country’s rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage make it a prime location for tourism development.
“Investing in Liberia’s tourism sector is not just about capitalizing on its untapped potential, it’s about investing in the people,” he explained. “Tourism creates jobs, boosts local businesses, and contributes to the economy. That’s why tourism is an integral part of the NTA’s five-year strategic plan.”
In closing, Forh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share NTA’s journey and its future aspirations. “We’re not just moving people and goods,” he said, “we’re driving Liberia forward.”
As the NTA continues to implement its five-year plan, the future of Liberia’s transportation system looks brighter than ever. With ambitious goals, strategic partnerships, and a firm commitment to innovation, Hon. Edmund Forh and his team at NTA are positioning Liberia to become a regional leader in transport and economic development.
