By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia: The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward creating a national student loan program, instructing its committees on Judiciary, Education, and Ways and Means to review a bill to establish the framework.
The joint committee is expected to report back to Plenary within two weeks. The proposed act aims to create an equitable financial support system, enabling Liberian students to access affordable loans for higher education.
According to the bill’s proponent, Grand Gedeh County District #2 Representative Marie Johnson, the legislation is designed to improve educational opportunities, national human resource development, and economic empowerment by assisting deserving students who face financial challenges.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has advanced two significant matters: a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure concession and an investigation into alleged human rights abuses at a national port.
In a major economic move, lawmakers received a 25-year Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) with Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd., aimed at developing and modernizing Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure. Submitted by President Joseph Boakai, the agreement establishes a legal framework to transport Guinea’s ore through Liberian territory, a deal expected to spur inclusive growth and expand national revenue.
Following a reading and debate, Plenary mandated the Committees on Investment, Transport, and Judiciary to scrutinize the agreement and report back within two weeks. Concurrently, the House has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of assault and unlawful suspension of employees at the Samuel Alfred Samuel Port in Greenville, Sinoe County.
The probe was triggered by a formal communication from Sinoe County District #2 Representative, Alex S. Noah, who described “dehumanizing” acts against his constituents. Representative Noah alleged that port workers were flogged, publicly humiliated, and indefinitely suspended without due process under the instructions of the Port Director.
“In this age and time, it is a gross violation of basic human rights,” Noah stressed, arguing that such actions undermine national labor standards.
Plenary has instructed the Committees on Maritime and Judiciary to probe the matter, engage the National Port Authority management, and report its findings within two weeks, reaffirming the House’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring public accountability.
