MONROVIA – The Minister of Finance and Development Planning will remain under oath as the Liberian Senate intensifies its investigation into alleged financial irregularities, including a reported $17 million USD budget outturn for legislative hearings in the 2024 fiscal year. The minister faces mounting pressure to explain the discrepancies and address concerns surrounding unauthorized spending.
The minister’s appearance before the Senate on Tuesday was initially to clarify delays in printing and distributing the 2025 Approved National Budget. However, the hearing quickly shifted focus as senators raised broader financial concerns. Lawmakers questioned how public funds were being managed and demanded a full accounting of the substantial amount reportedly allocated for legislative hearings.
A central point of contention is the inclusion of $300,000 USD for K-Power in the 2025 budget. According to senators, this allocation was removed during the budget’s approval process, yet it appears to have been restored without the Legislature’s authorization. The Senate is seeking answers on how the line item reappeared and whether other unauthorized expenditures exist.
During the session, the minister assured the Senate that he is committed to working transparently and promised to cooperate fully with the investigation. While he stopped short of admitting to any wrongdoing, he acknowledged that addressing the concerns would require difficult decisions. He emphasized the need to correct financial mismanagement and prevent similar issues from recurring.
Despite the scrutiny, the minister highlighted that he assumed his position in September 2024 and may not have comprehensive knowledge of decisions made before his appointment. He, however, pledged to thoroughly examine the concerns raised and present a detailed explanation to the Senate.
Senator Amara Konneh, one of the most vocal critics during the hearing, stressed the urgency of early disclosures. Although the Ministry of Finance is legally required to present the previous fiscal year’s budget outturn by April, Konneh argued that the severity of the allegations warrants an expedited review.
The minister’s continued testimony under oath reflects the Senate’s determination to enforce accountability and uncover the full scope of the alleged irregularities. Lawmakers have warned that failure to provide satisfactory answers could trigger further investigative actions and potential consequences for those involved.
