By Jerromie S. Walters
The House of Representatives has ratified the ECOWAS Treaty on the Establishment of the Dakar–Abidjan Corridor, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional integration, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation within West Africa. Plenary’s decision Thursday, July 3, 2025, during its 15th Day sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 2nd session, followed the presentation of a comprehensive report by the Joint Committee on Transport, Public Works and Rural Development, and Judiciary, which carefully reviewed the provisions of the Treaty and recommended its ratification.
Presenting the report, the Joint Committee called on the indulgence of Plenary to ratify the Treaty, highlighting its potential to boost interconnectivity, economic growth, and cross-border cooperation among ECOWAS member states, including Liberia.
In the course of its review, the Joint Committee also drew attention to the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which has been ratified by over 180 countries. While Liberia is a signatory to this Convention, it has not formally ratified the related Protocol.
The Committee stressed the importance of this Protocol in protecting public health, addressing illicit trafficking, and combating the abuse of controlled substances, including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and nicotine. The Protocol emphasizes measures for licensing, regulation, and criminalization of unlawful manufacturing and trade in psychotropic substances. It mandates that State Parties treat intentional violations as punishable offences under national laws, ensuring such actions are met with appropriate penalties, including imprisonment.
According to the Committee, ratifying these instruments aligns with Liberia’s national drug policy and supports the broader legislative effort to curb the rising threat of substance abuse across the country.
Following the report and ensuing discussions, Plenary voted in favor of ratifying the ECOWAS Treaty, and the instrument has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
The ratification signals Liberia’s commitment to both regional integration and the protection of public health and national security through strong legal frameworks.
At the same time, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, on Thursday paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Sergeant-At-Arms, Brigadier General Martin T. Johnson, during his state funeral held in the courtyard of the Capitol Building, in front of the historic Rotunda.
In his remarks, Speaker Koon described the late General Johnson as a dutiful public servant, whose passion for his work and dedication to duty stood out across decades of service. “General Johnson performed his duties with commitment and pride, even amid recent health challenges. His presence, discipline, and sense of responsibility were unmatched,” the Speaker averred.
He highlighted the General’s approachable nature, noting that he was a friendly and respectful figure who often served as a quiet guide and mediator when issues arose among staff and members.
Brigadier General Johnson, who served the Liberian Legislature for more than 30 years, was remembered for dedicating half of his life to upholding the rules, order, and security of the House of Representatives. His long-standing commitment, Speaker Koon emphasized, made him a symbol of loyalty, stability, and institutional memory within the National Legislature.
On behalf of the Honorable House of Representatives and the entire Legislature, Speaker Koon extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family, expressing gratitude for the General’s many years of dedicated service. “We thank the family for allowing him to serve this nation so selflessly. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may you, his loved ones, find comfort and strength in your faith during this difficult time,” the Speaker concluded. The ceremony was attended by lawmakers, government officials, security officers, and loved ones, all gathered to honor the life and legacy of a true public servant.
