MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has issued a contempt charge against the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Boima Kamara, following his failure to attend three separate citations. This move invokes the House’s Contempt Power under Rule Four, which defines contempt as any action that obstructs the legislative function or hinders the duties of its members and officers.
In a statement released by the House Press Bureau on Tuesday, it was emphasized that contempt charges could result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to one month, or for the duration of the current House session.
Minister Kamara, alongside officials from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), and Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), was invited to provide financial updates on consolidated accounts, bank balances, and to validate reports from the LRA on revenue collection. Despite cooperation from other parties, the Ministry of Finance’s consistent refusal to appear has been deemed contemptuous.
As a result, Minister Kamara has been summoned to appear before the House on Thursday, June 27, 2024, accompanied by his legal counsel. The House seeks to address these non-compliances and reinforce the importance of adhering to legislative summonses.