MONROVIA, LIBERIA – A coalition of anti-Koffa lawmakers, led by Representatives Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County District #5 as Chair and Sekou S. Kanneh of Montserrado County District #2 as Co-chair, held a press conference in Monrovia on October 20, 2024, demanding the immediate resignation of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The lawmakers accused Speaker Koffa of gross corruption and financial mismanagement, alleging he misappropriated millions of dollars during his tenure as Deputy Speaker and now as Speaker.
Presiding over the press conference, Rep. Kogar outlined the aim of their gathering. “We have come together to inform the world that our decision—outlined in our resolution—is that Speaker Koffa is corrupt,” Kogar stated, emphasizing that the group had the legislative backing to act on their demand. “We have 42 lawmakers supporting this resolution, with 38 present today. A simple majority of 37 votes is required, so we want to make it clear that our decision is firm and unwavering,” he added.
Rep. Nyahn G. Flomo of Nimba County District #2 then read the full press statement on behalf of the majority bloc. He disclosed that Speaker Koffa had received a total of $9.7 million in cash over two fiscal years—despite being allocated only $2.6 million for that period. In the 2023 fiscal year, Koffa’s office was allotted $1.1 million, but he collected $4.1 million. Similarly, by the end of the 2024 fiscal year, Koffa received $5.6 million, even though his office was allocated only $1.5 million.
“These financial dealings are illegal and violate the Budget Transfer Act of 2008,” Flomo asserted, explaining that the Act outlines the procedures for public fund transfers and usage. The lawmakers accused Koffa of deliberately ignoring these rules for personal gain.
In addition to the financial irregularities, the lawmakers revealed that Koffa obstructed an audit of the House’s finances. Flomo explained that in March 2024, the General Audit Commission (GAC) was invited to conduct an audit, but when the team arrived in April, Speaker Koffa ordered them to leave, halting the audit process.
“President Joseph Boakai has committed to auditing the past administration, and this process has already begun. The Senate, under Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, completed its audit. However, Speaker Koffa has failed to deliver on his promise to audit the House of Representatives, raising serious concerns about financial management,” Flomo stated.
The lawmakers also criticized Speaker Koffa for his silence regarding the mistreatment of House staffers. Several employees were reportedly removed from the payroll under instructions from Honorable Marvin Cole, and Speaker Koffa has done nothing to address the issue. “This shows a clear disregard for the welfare and rights of House staffers, further demonstrating Koffa’s failure in leadership,” Flomo said.
The group concluded that Speaker Koffa’s actions had brought “disdain and dishonor” to the office of the Speaker and the House of Representatives. They called on him to resign immediately. “We cannot allow this level of corruption to continue in the people’s House. Speaker Koffa has enriched himself at the expense of the Liberian people, and his leadership is no longer tenable,” Kogar declared.
The anti-Koffa lawmakers urged Liberians to focus on the issues raised in their resolution rather than being swayed by political propaganda. “Our actions are rooted in a deep commitment to restoring integrity, transparency, and accountability in the House of Representatives,” Kogar emphasized.
As tensions rise on Capitol Hill, all eyes are on Speaker Koffa, who is expected to preside over the upcoming legislative session on October 22, 2024. It remains to be seen whether he will step down or attempt to weather the growing pressure from his colleagues.
