The Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), an organ of the African Union in charge of regulating and coordinating postal activities around the globe, has celebrated its 43rd anniversary under the theme, “The Post: An Establishment Promoter of Cross-Border E-Commerce in Africa”.
The Deputy Minister for Postal Operations/Acting Minister, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MOPT), J. Mike Gonlehtuo, disclosed that over the years PAPU has been supportive of providing technical assistance to Liberia’s postal affairs in the area of training and IT equipment, in order to encourage the Liberian post to diversify into new products.
Speaking during a conference on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Deputy Minister Gonlehtuo said Liberia’s post is a member of PAPU and UPU, and has taken steps to adhere to recommendations from these organizations to diversify.
Deputy Minister Gonlehtuo said the advent of ICT has undermined traditional mail, but at the same time it provides an opportunity for the modernization and commercialization of post.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has digitized its counter service, where activities have been automated for the purpose of easy and faster transaction efficiency, accountability and transparency.
According to him, businesses and institutions are under obligation to obtain their mailing addresses as part of the requirements to establish a business in Liberia.
He said the ministry, in collaboration with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and Liberia Business Registry, are jointly enforcing regulations for all institutions to subscribe for their post office box number, which will serve as mailing address.
He further said that plans are underway to penalize businesses and institutions refusing to regularize payment for their P.O. Box numbers.
President George M. Weah’s support was critical in attaining the level of achievements made over the years.
At the same time, MOPT Communication Director, Roberts Cooper, said actions are a token of recognition of the post as a pivotal player of inclusive socioeconomic development by virtue of its extensive network of interconnected post offices delivering accessibility.