MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Anderson D. Miamen, has voiced strong criticism over the Legislature’s swift review and passage of the 2025 National Budget.
By Socrates Smythe Saywon, 0777425285/ 0886946925
saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com
Writing on his official Facebook page today, Miamen questioned how the Legislature could pass the budget within just 10 days, from December 9 to December 20, 2024, despite the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act of Liberia requiring at least two months for thorough scrutiny.
“How many spending entities appeared to defend their budgets and report on or account for the resources they received in the previous budget?” Miamen asked. He described the process as “unacceptable” and in violation of the amended PFM Act of 2019 and best practices in public budgeting.
Miamen warned that this rushed process raises serious concerns about participation, transparency, credibility, and compliance, which could have grave implications for allocations to critical sectors and institutions in 2025.
At a press conference held yesterday, December 23, 2024, at CENTAL’s offices in Sinkor, Monrovia, Miamen elaborated on his concerns. He criticized the procedural violations and lack of transparency surrounding the budget review and approval process, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and credible approach.
“The submission, review, and passage of the 2025 National Budget failed to meet the requirements of the PFM Act and disregarded best practices in public budgeting,” Miamen stated. He urged the Legislature to adhere to legal frameworks to ensure fiscal accountability and safeguard resources allocated to vital sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.
As a prominent anti-corruption advocate, Miamen has consistently called out poor governance practices and championed greater accountability in Liberia’s public financial management. His latest remarks have intensified public scrutiny over the government’s handling of the 2025 budget process.
Meanwhile, political commentators and critics have taken to social media, particularly Facebook, to express their disapproval of the budget’s swift passage. Many are calling on the Legislature to revisit the process, address procedural concerns, and restore public confidence in its financial governance.
