MONROVIA – In a striking call for greater transparency and accountability within Liberia’s legislative body, Hon. Amara M. Konneh, Senator of Gbarpolu County, has voiced his strong support for a comprehensive audit of the Senate. During an appearance on the OK Conversation on Thursday, Senator Konneh revealed significant resistance within the Senate to such oversight measures, despite concerning findings from the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
“Yes, there are people who don’t want to hear about auditing the legislature, the Senate,” Senator Konneh stated. “The GAC has completed the systems audit of the Senate and made a presentation to us behind closed doors. Senator Snowe advanced a motion after listening to this dismal presentation that the Senate should be audited, which I seconded. It was put to a vote, and the majority of the Senators voted against that motion.”
The Senator’s comments highlight a troubling reluctance within the Senate to subject itself to financial scrutiny. Despite this, Konneh remains steadfast in his support for an audit, emphasizing that such an examination is crucial for accountability and the correction of systemic issues. He expressed hope that the Senate would undergo a thorough audit during the current administration, stressing its necessity in restoring public trust.
In addition to advocating for the audit, Senator Konneh raised alarms over the management of the national budget. He disclosed that at least 20 million USD had been shifted from its appropriated areas in the 2024 budget without the knowledge or approval of the legislature. This unauthorized reallocation, he asserted, demands immediate clarification from the Executive branch.
Adding to the concerns surrounding the Senate, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) recently reported significant non-compliance with asset declaration mandates. According to the LACC, only 12 out of 30 Senators have declared their assets, leaving 18 Senators in violation of this important transparency measure. This widespread non-compliance among Senators, who hold key roles in legislative decision-making, further undermines public confidence in their integrity.
Senator Konneh’s candid remarks and the findings of both the GAC and LACC paint a troubling picture of the current state of the Senate. As calls for accountability grow louder, the public and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see if the legislative body can rise to the challenge and ensure that those entrusted with the nation’s governance are held to the highest standards of transparency and responsibility.
