MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In an unflinching move that emphasizes concerns about transparency and accountability within the Liberian government, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has called for an independent investigation into the recent allegations of budget modifications. On Monday, September 9, 2024, Senator Konneh took to his official Facebook page to express his reservations about the current approach, urging that the General Auditing Commission (GAC) or another independent body be tasked with uncovering the truth behind the budget alterations.
While appreciating Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence’s decision to establish an ad hoc committee within the Senate to investigate the matter, Senator Konneh stressed that relying on internal legislative committees risks perpetuating a cycle of corruption and damage control rather than achieving real reform. He explained that some lawmakers often manipulate such investigations to protect their interests, scapegoating lower-level officials and blaming them for larger systemic failures.
Konneh’s criticism points to what he perceives as a culture of exploitation and avoidance within Liberia’s Legislature. He noted that when governance issues arise, the initial reaction of some lawmakers is to “slow down” the process, aiming to handle matters “in-house,” with the end result being inaction or deliberate damage control. According to Konneh, this tactic ensures that reformers who bring governance lapses to light are discredited, while the status quo remains intact.
The Senator’s remarks were in response to recent controversies surrounding Liberia’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget. He emphasized that alterations to the approved budget are evident, as discrepancies can be clearly seen by comparing the budget approved on April 30, 2024, with the one enacted on May 8, 2024. The public budget book reveals that significant modifications were made, but the focus, Konneh argued, should not be on whether changes occurred, but on who made these changes, where the money was reallocated, and why.
Senator Konneh underscored the importance of an independent audit, arguing that allowing the Legislature to investigate itself would lack credibility and likely result in a cover-up. He suggested that an external body such as the GAC would provide a fair and transparent investigation that could restore public trust in the process.
“The public must demand transparency and hold elected officials accountable,” Konneh wrote. He also criticized the Legislature for failing to publish any budget execution reports since 2006, despite spending vast sums on its operations over the past decade and a half. Without transparency, Konneh warned, Liberia risks discovering significant budget overruns at the end of each fiscal year, with no adequate explanations.
The Senator’s post highlights the broader issue of governance in Liberia, where he believes a symbiotic relationship between political and economic elites perpetuates underdevelopment. Konneh pointed to a “cabal” within the Legislature, executive, and private sectors that protects itself by silencing reformers, manipulating the system, and keeping the country in a cycle of poverty.
Konneh concluded his post by announcing his formal request to the Senate Plenary for an independent investigation, expressing optimism that those interested in uncovering the truth would support his motion.
As Liberia’s economy continues to face challenges, and with trust in government institutions at an all-time low, Konneh’s call for an independent audit resonates with many Liberians who are eager for reforms that will bring about real accountability and progress. Whether the GAC or another external body will be allowed to take on the investigation remains to be seen, but Senator Konneh’s outspoken stance has set the stage for what could become a critical turning point in Liberia’s fight for good governance.
