In a recent ceremony held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) celebrated top tax-paying companies, notably Bea Mountain Mining Corporation and ArcelorMittal-Liberia, which were recognized for their significant contributions to Liberia’s tax revenue for the years 2022 and 2023, respectively. The event, which marked the first Taxpayers Appreciation Awards since the postponement of last year’s due to the presidential and legislative elections, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and development partners. The LRA recognized various sectors for their tax compliance and contributions, promoting the importance of fostering accountability and compliance in tax matters.
LRA’s Trixie Greaves emphasized the importance of recognizing compliant taxpayers and noted that the awards aimed not only to honor tax payments but also to cultivate a culture of accountability within Liberia. The ceremony acknowledged awardees from diverse categories, including large taxpayers, small and medium enterprises, natural resource companies, government agencies, and nonprofits. Notable recipients, in addition to Bea Mountain and ArcelorMittal, included Firestone Liberia, Ecobank, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Catholic Education Secretariat, and the Carter Center. Greaves urged other businesses to emulate the commitment shown by these exemplary contributors, underscoring the pivotal role they play in the nation’s development.
In his address on behalf of the awardees, Marcus Wleh, Head of Sustainability and External Relations at ArcelorMittal-Liberia, underscored the importance of collective effort among taxpayers in driving Liberia’s economic future. He articulated that being recognized as a top tax contributor reflects a strong commitment to the nation’s economic development. Wleh also highlighted the crucial partnership between the private sector and government in advancing national development goals, encouraging all stakeholders to prioritize their fiscal responsibilities for the broader benefit of the country.
LRA Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah outlined the authority’s ambitious vision to enhance revenue collection, themed “Moving to Billions.” He stressed that Liberia’s economic transformation relies on innovative reforms and stronger compliance measures. Jallah articulated a goal to increase annual revenue generation to $1 billion, citing plans for modernizing the tax system, including the introduction of electronic fiscal devices for real-time sales monitoring and transitioning from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to a Value-Added Tax (VAT) by 2026. These strategic initiatives aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and convenience for taxpayers, thereby broadening the tax base.
Additionally, Jallah announced plans to digitize vehicle registration and other government services by 2025, which is expected to enhance compliance and facilitate broader revenue generation efforts. The awards ceremony served as a testament to the vital role taxpayers play in financing Liberia’s development agenda. By acknowledging the contributions of top tax contributors like Bea Mountain and ArcelorMittal-Liberia, the LRA underscored the need for all businesses to recognize their potential impact on national development.
In conclusion, the LRA’s Taxpayers Appreciation Awards not only celebrated the vital contributions of leading companies but also reinforced a message of collective responsibility in driving Liberia towards sustainable growth and fiscal stability. Commissioner Jallah’s call for all taxpayers to actively engage in the envisioned reforms highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector to achieve the nation’s financial aspirations. With a focus on fostering a compliant and accountable environment, the LRA is taking significant steps toward achieving its ambitious revenue goals, ultimately supporting Liberia’s long-term development vision.
