MONROVIA – Liberia’s House of Representatives is preparing for its first post-war financial system audit, a historic step aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the country’s legislative processes. Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon officially welcomed Auditor General P. Garswa Jackson and his team from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, during a ceremony at the Capitol Building.
The upcoming audit will examine the House’s financial management systems and procedures covering the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. The review will focus on procurement practices, internal controls, asset management, liabilities, receivables, and banking transactions, including reconciliations with the Ministry of Finance and donor agencies. It is the first system-level review of the Legislature in Liberia’s post-war history.
Speaking at the ceremony, Speaker Koon described the audit as a “historic milestone” and said it demonstrates the House’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “This process shows that accountability begins with us,” he said. “We are moving from talk to action to ensure our financial management meets the highest standards.”
In preparation for the audit, the House is establishing an Internal Audit Secretariat and implementing an automated financial management system to ensure compliance with the Public Financial Management Law and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Law. Speaker Koon also emphasized the independence of the GAC, noting that the Auditor General operates without direction or control from any authority.
Following the formal handover, the audit team was entrusted to Hon. Clarence Gahr, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, who will oversee the execution of the review once it begins. Observers say the initiative represents a major step toward institutional reform and could bolster public trust in Liberia’s legislative governance.
The planned audit positions the House of Representatives as a potential model for transparency and accountability in Liberia, signaling that the Legislature is taking proactive steps to strengthen its financial systems and governance practices.
