By Jerromie S. Walters
Gbarpolu County—Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, has expressed his discontent with the passage of the FY2024 draft recast budget by the Liberian Senate, upon abstaining from the voting process.
The process, which Senator Konneh described as undemocratic, clarified that his decision to abstain was rooted in his core beliefs. “I want to convey to my constituents and all Liberians that my vote reflects my fundamental beliefs. Along with other Senators, I left the session to demonstrate my dedication to upholding democratic processes,” he stated.
The Senator outlined several key concerns that influenced his decision: Lack of Transparency in Fund AllocationOne of the primary issues raised by Senator Konneh was the allocation of $1.7 million for ‘Other Compensation and Liabilities.’ He called for greater clarity regarding who would receive these funds and for what specific services. “It is crucial for the Liberian people to understand the nature of these liabilities, how they were incurred, and by whom,” he emphasized.
Health Budget CutsSenator Konneh also criticized the Executive’s decision to reduce the health budget, which had sparked protests among Senators. Although the Legislature’s Conference Committee has worked to reallocate funds to health centers in several counties, many facilities in Western Liberia, including those in Bomi, Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu, have received only a fraction of their allocated funds. “For instance, the Emirates Hospital in Gbarpolu has only received $37,000, while 14 health centers in six districts received a mere $50,000 collectively. This is unacceptable,” he lamented.
Challenges in Education FundingThe Senator highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by primary and secondary schools, many of which lack essential resources such as benches and instructional materials. While the Senate managed to restore some cuts to education funding, Senator Konneh expressed disappointment that the restored funds were redirected toward tertiary education rather than strengthening teacher training institutes. “This raises questions about our commitment to improving primary and secondary education,” he remarked.
Impact on Agriculture, Energy, and EnvironmentFinally, Senator Konneh addressed the proposed cuts to critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, and the environment, warning that these reductions could jeopardize food security and economic stability. “Defunding the energy sector could hinder the Liberia Electricity Corporation and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency’s ability to provide reliable electricity, which is vital for businesses and households alike,” he cautioned.
Senator Konneh concluded with a call to action, urging his fellow Senators to consider the long-term implications of the budget cuts. “The current hardships in our country are far from my expectations and those of my constituents. We must prioritize transparent governance and ensure equitable development for all Liberians,” he stated.
Late Monday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass into law the 2024 Recast Budget, maintaining the total allocation at $738,859,000.
The Plenary’s decision followed a review by both Chambers Conference Committee, which outlined adjustments made at $6.6 million.
After an assessment of SOEs, giving the MFDP authority to issue T-Bills and Bonds, borrowing from commercial banks to raise an additional 9.5M to fill the deficit of $17M.
Some key allocations in the approved budget include $6,649,788 directed to vital sectors such as Health, (drug rehabilitation, Monkeypox, etc), Education, the Liberia Airport Authority, and the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation, specifically for water assessments in Southeast regions, among others.
Following the passage, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their commitment to the citizens of Liberia, stating, “We have answered the call of the People and ensured that our Country is not held hostage.” Speaker averred.
He underscored the Legislature’s responsibility to manage the people’s Money wisely, acknowledging the historical complications and challenges in the budget process that require immediate attention.
In his remarks, Speaker Koffa underlined the importance of accountability and urged the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance to begin proactive preparations for the 2025 National Budget.
He called for a more structural approach to budget management, stressing the need for transparency and effective execution of budgetary provisions by the executive branch.
The passage of the 2024 Recast Budget marks a significant step towards fiscal responsibility and sustainable development in Liberia, reinforcing the House of Representatives’ commitment to serving the best interests of its constituents and the Republic of Liberia.
