MONROVIA – Bong County Representative Josiah Marvin Cole has stirred controversy by accusing Amos Tweh, Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC), and Bioma Kamara, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, of negotiating a loan without proper authorization from the National Legislature.
During Tuesday’s session, Representative Cole alleged that Tweh and Kamara had acted without legislative approval in seeking a loan of US$9 million from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on behalf of the Liberian government. He demanded that the two senior government officials appear before the House of Representatives to clarify the situation and disclose who instructed them to engage in this action.
In addition to addressing the unauthorized loan request, Representative Cole emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government financial matters. He called on the Finance Ministry to provide detailed information to the legislature regarding consolidated accounts and bank balances. Furthermore, he requested validation of reports submitted by the Liberia Revenue Authority concerning revenue collection.
Representative Cole’s accusations underscore growing concerns about financial oversight and adherence to legal procedures within the government. The alleged misconduct by senior officials raises questions about the management of public funds and the extent of legislative oversight in financial decision-making processes.
The call for accountability extends beyond the LPRC and the Finance Ministry. Representative Cole also urged the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Minister of Finance and Development Planning to provide comprehensive information on revenue generation and consolidated account balances, respectively.
These developments highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in financial matters. As representatives of the people, members of the House of Representatives have a duty to ensure that government officials adhere to legal and procedural requirements in their actions.
The allegations made by Representative Cole underscore the need for thorough investigation and swift action to address any breaches of protocol or misconduct. The integrity of Liberia’s financial institutions and the trust of the public are at stake, making it imperative for government officials to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
As this situation unfolds, it will be crucial for the accused officials to provide clarification and respond to the allegations raised by Representative Cole. The outcome of this inquiry will have significant implications for public trust in government institutions and the effectiveness of legislative oversight in safeguarding the interests of the Liberian people.
