The Honorable House of Representatives will on Monday, January 12, 2026, resume activities for its First Quarter of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia.
The opening of the session is in keeping with Article 32(a) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which provides that the Legislature shall assemble in regular session once each year on the second working Monday in January.
According to protocols for this year’s opening, the hoisting of the flags of Liberia’s 15 counties will commence at 8:00 a.m., led by the Acting Sergeant-at-Arms, Morris Gibson, and his team. The parade and hoisting of the National Flag of the Republic of Liberia will follow at 10:00 a.m., led by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Band, during which lawmakers will salute the National Flag before proceeding to their respective chambers.
Following the flag-raising and parade ceremonies at the Capitol Building grounds, members of the House of Representatives will proceed to the Providence Baptist Church for the official opening sitting. At the ceremony, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, will deliver his official opening statement, outlining the legislative agenda for the Third Session.
The Providence Baptist Church holds deep historical significance, having served as the meeting place for Liberia’s earliest lawmakers long before the construction of the Capitol Building.
Speaking on the decision, Speaker Koon said the move reflects a deliberate effort to reconnect the Legislature with the nation’s foundational values. He noted that returning to the historic venue serves as a reminder of the humility, discipline, and sense of purpose that guided Liberia’s early leadership.
The Speaker emphasized that the historic opening is intended to inspire lawmakers to approach governance with renewed integrity and a stronger commitment to the Liberian people as the country enters a new legislative year.
The unprecedented opening session at Providence Baptist Church is expected to signal a renewed focus on accountability, national reflection, and people-centered governance as the 2026 legislative calendar officially begins.
The House has clarified that its presence at Providence Baptist Church on Monday is solely for the official opening ceremony and does not constitute a venue for regular legislative sittings, which will continue at the Capitol Building.
The Third Session is expected to prioritize several key national issues, including: Robust legislative oversight of the Executive Branch; Discussions on economic reforms and development initiatives; Review and consideration of existing concession agreements; and other matters of national interest.
