LERC onboards new Commissioners

The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) began a four-day onboarding retreat for two new members of the Board of Commissioners (BoC) appointed earlier this year by President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.

Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey, II and Amara M. Kamara were separately appointed by President Boakai and confirmed by the Liberian Senate as Commissioners and will serve a four-year tenure on the LERC’s BoC.

The Chairman of the BoC Dr. Lawrence D. Sekajipo welcomed the new Commissioners and averred that the Commission was excited to have them join the team; “with your level of experiences and insights, you are going to be a great addition.”

Dr. Sekajipo congratulated his colleagues and extended thanks to President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. for the preferment of Commissioners Kamara and Atty. Toomey.

Augustus V. Goanue, Managing Director said the purpose of the onboarding was to bring the new Commissioners up to speed with the work of LERC including utility regulations from national, regional, and global perspective.

Mr. Goanue informed the new Commissioners that to date the Commission has developed 15 regulatory instruments that include regulations, codes, handbooks, guidelines, and methodology.

The Senior Management Team (SMT) consisting heads of the various departments and units within the Commission, namely Legal, Licensing and Public Affairs, Economic Regulations, Technical Regulations and Administration will make presentations on the operations and work of the Commission.

Commissioner Amara M. Kamara holds a Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA), Master of Arts (MA) in Development Studies, and Master of Science (MSc) in Project Management, respectively.

Commissioner Kamara is recognized for his expertise in project monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and fostering organizational development. As a forward-thinking individual, he has demonstrated an ability to navigate dynamic environments and contribute to the advancement of energy regulation and development initiatives. He is an immediate Focal person of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority- LPRA of the Joint Presidential Transition Team.

While Commissioner Atty. Toomey, II holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics, LLB and Master of Science (MSc) Maritime Law and Policy from the University of Liberia, the Louis Authur Grimes School of Law, and World Maritime University respectively.

Prior to his appointment, Atty. Toomey, II worked in various capacities including an electrician, school administrator, researcher at the Liberian Senate, lawyer at the Pierre, Tweh and Associates Law and is a member of the Liberia National Bar Association.