-Following controversial recast budget passage
By Jerromie S. Walters
Upon kick-starting on August 29, 2024, the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, adjourned its extraordinary session of the 2nd quarter of the first session. Speaking at the close of the session, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa commended his colleagues for their selflessness in their work during the special session.
He expressed delight that the budget process, with the involvement of lawmakers and the public, is getting more open and transparent, which is good for process improvement, stating that as the country looks forward to the 2025 national budget, additional fiscal measures will be instituted by the Legislature to ensure that the process is transparent.
During the period under review, a total of nine bills were passed, five of which were financing instruments, one involving youth empowerment, among others.
With the closing of the extraordinary session, the Legislature will resume its third session on October 15, 2024, to continue to work in the interest of the Republic of Liberia. Speaker-Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa said that, on the constituency break, the following lawmakers will steer the affairs of the House in consultation with the leadership.
They include Representatives Priscilla Cooper of Montserrado County, Thomas Goshua of Grand Bassa County, Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh County, Nathaniel N. Bahway of Grand Kru County, Nyan Flomo of Nimba County, Foday Fahnbulleh of Bong County, and Julie Fatorma Wiah of Lofa County.
Others are Representatives Ivar K. Jones of Margibi County, P. Mike Jury of Maryland County, Alex Poure of River Gee County, Steve Tequah of River Cess County, Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh of Sinoe County, Obediah Varney of Bomi County, Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County, and Bintu Massalay of Grand Cape Mount County, respectively.
On Monday, the Honorable House of Representatives unanimously passed the 2024 Recast Budget, maintaining a total allocation of $738,859,000. The approval followed a comprehensive review by the Chambers Conference Committee, which identified adjustments totaling $6.6 million. The budget includes provisions for the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to issue Treasury Bills and Bonds, as well as to secure loans from commercial banks to raise an additional $9.5 million aimed at addressing a $17 million deficit.
Key allocations in the approved budget prioritize essential sectors, with $6,649,788 earmarked for Health initiatives—covering drug rehabilitation and monkeypox response—alongside funding for Education, the Liberia Airport Authority, and the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation, which will focus on water assessments in the Southeast regions, among other critical areas.
Following the passage of the budget, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their dedication to the citizens of Liberia. “We have answered the call of the people and ensured that our country is not held hostage,” he stated, emphasizing the Legislature’s duty to manage public funds judiciously. He acknowledged the historical complexities and challenges associated with the budget process that require urgent attention.
In his remarks, Speaker Koffa highlighted the importance of accountability and called upon the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance to initiate proactive preparations for the 2025 National Budget. He advocated for a more structured approach to budget management, stressing the necessity for transparency and effective execution of budgetary provisions by the executive branch.
The passage of the 2024 Recast Budget represents a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey toward fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, reaffirming the House of Representatives’ commitment to serving the best interests of its constituents and the Republic of Liberia.
