Liberia, Jan. 30 -- Amid growing public pressure, intense lobbying, and mounting controversy, President Joseph Boakai has accepted a request from members of the 55th National Legislature to recall two engrossed bills intended to modernize the country's seaports and grant them autonomous status. The decision follows widespread criticism and resistance that emerged after the Legislature passed the proposed laws, which seek to reform the governance and management structure of major seaports and inland ports across the country.

The ports affected by the proposed legislation include the Freeport of Monrovia, the Port of Buchanan, the Port of Greenville, and the Port of Harper, located in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Maryland counties ...