By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – In a single day marking both internal reform and external outreach, the House of Representatives, has committed to a landmark system audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) while also hosting a high-level Moroccan investment delegation to bolster bilateral economic ties.
In a move hailed as a milestone for accountability, Speaker Koon has pledged the Legislature’s full cooperation with the GAC for what will be the first system audit of the House of Representatives in post-war Liberia, and potentially in the nation’s entire legislative history.
Speaking at an entry meeting with Auditor General P. Garswa Jackson and his team, Speaker Koon described the exercise as a critical step in strengthening public financial management. “This initiative reflects our deep commitment to transparency and institutional reform,” Koon stated, crediting the current leadership for turning long-standing discussions into concrete action.
The Speaker explicitly reaffirmed the GAC’s statutory independence, quoting Section 2.1.3(c) and (d) of the GAC Act to emphasize that the Auditor General shall not be subject to the direction of any person or authority.
Koon outlined complementary reforms already underway, including plans to establish an Internal Audit Secretariat and implement an automated financial management system. These measures are designed to ensure full compliance with Liberia’s Public Financial Management (PFM) Law and procurement regulations.
“The system audit will identify operational gaps, recommend reforms, and lay the groundwork for a full financial audit of the Legislature,” Koon explained, assuring the public that the House is willing to be held to the same standards it expects of other public institutions.
Courting Foreign Investment for Economic Growth
In a separate but equally significant engagement, Speaker Koon, on behalf of the House, later welcomed a high-level Business and Investment Delegation from the Dakhla Oued-Eddahab Region of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The delegation, led by Mr. Yanja El Khattat, President of the Regional Council, is part of the Liberia–Morocco Business and Investment Mission aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties. Mr. El Khattat noted that the visit follows the recognition of Liberia and Sierra Leone as “Countries of the Day” at the 4th Edition of the African Business Day Forum in Dakhla.
Speaker Koon expressed strong appreciation for Morocco’s interest. “We welcome this engagement and the investment opportunities it presents,” he said. “Whatever agreements or investment frameworks emerge from this initiative, when brought to the Legislature, we will work diligently to ensure their passage in support of Liberia’s economic growth.”
The meeting was attended by several lawmakers, alongside Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Joseph F. Johnson, and Consul General Johnny Fallah. The Moroccan delegation is scheduled to hold further meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other senior government officials to explore concrete avenues for cooperation in trade and development.
