–As she engages with her constituents
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Bong County District #6 lawmaker, Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, has addressed recent claims made by her colleagues in the 55th National Legislature regarding her appointment to the ECOWAS Parliament.
During a recent statement, Rep. Mensah explained that appointments to the ECOWAS committee are conducted through a process that includes voting, consensus, selection, and a resolution by the Speaker of the House. She emphasized that the rules governing the legislature grant the Speaker the authority to appoint members to committees, which must then be approved by a plenary vote.
Despite the controversy surrounding her appointment, Rep. Mensah noted that there were no complaints from her colleagues at the time of the decision. She pointed out that Liberia is not only a member of ECOWAS but also participates in other regional organizations such as the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Rep. Mensah expressed surprise at the attention her ECOWAS appointment has garnered, stating that her focus had not originally been on this committee. She reassured her constituents that she is not concerned about potential removal from the committee, as such decisions are ultimately made by plenary vote.
She also highlighted the legal requirement for regional committees to ensure at least 30% female participation, underscoring her commitment to gender equity in governance.
In her remarks, Rep. Mensah criticized the ongoing disputes among her colleagues in the House of Representatives, asserting that these conflicts are not in the best interest of the Liberian people but rather serve personal agendas. She reaffirmed her dedication to protecting the image and character of her constituents in Salala District and stated that she does not require financial incentives to take a stand on issues that matter to her community.
In addition to addressing the ECOWAS appointment, Rep. Mensah has been actively engaging with her constituents through a series of community meetings. These engagements include a citizens’ town hall meeting and the welcoming of a four-day crusade hosted by an American pastor.
During the town hall meeting, Rep. Mensah also commemorated the anniversary of a tragic fire incident that occurred on December 26, 2023, discussing important matters concerning the families affected by the disaster, including those who lost loved ones and those who survived.
Through her efforts, Rep. Mensah continues to prioritize the interests of her constituents while navigating the complexities of her role in the legislature.
