RIVER GEE COUNTY – While Liberian schoolchildren in River Gee County sit on the floor to learn, lawmakers continue to allocate millions of dollars to their salaries, vehicles, and committee hearings, sparking outrage over the government’s spending priorities.
Recent photos from the Demonstration Public School in Fish Town reveal a dire situation where students are forced to sit on the bare ground due to a lack of chairs and desks. A teacher at the school shared the images, which have reignited national debate over Liberia’s education crisis and the government’s failure to provide even the most basic learning materials for children.
Activist Martin K. N. Kollie, a vocal critic of government corruption, has condemned the situation, highlighting staggering figures from the FY2024 Outturn Report. According to the report, lawmakers received over US$12.3 million in salaries, nearly US$4.6 million for fuel, US$3.9 million for new vehicles, and an astonishing US$17.1 million for legislative committee hearings. These expenditures, totaling more than US$40.9 million, contrast sharply with the conditions in public schools, where students lack essential learning materials.
Kollie likened Liberia’s politicians to “hyenas elected to shepherd a flock of sheep,” criticizing their lavish spending while ordinary citizens endure extreme hardship. He pointed out that while lawmakers enjoy luxury, volunteer teachers, nurses, and security personnel either go unpaid or earn as little as US$150 per month.
The activist’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Liberians who see their country’s wealth being mismanaged while basic public services remain in shambles. Despite consistent budgetary allocations for education, the reality on the ground tells a different story of neglect and misplaced priorities.
