LIBERIA – Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Mohammed Konneh, who previously served as Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, has called on President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action in addressing critical national issues. In a post shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, December 9, 2024, Senator Konneh questioned the absence of strong presidential leadership, posing the question, “Where is our President?”
The senator’s remarks highlighted significant shortcomings in the Legislature’s performance throughout 2024. According to Konneh, the body struggled to pass major laws, while the Fiscal Year 2024 budget allocated insufficient resources to counties, Liberian-owned businesses, and public welfare. These failures, he noted, have fueled a sense of declining public optimism about the nation’s future.
Senator Konneh expressed hope that the Fiscal Year 2025 budget could mark a turning point for Liberia, provided it is managed transparently and free from political interference. “It requires careful scrutiny to prevent political manipulation and ensure it genuinely benefits the nation. This means serious work!” he wrote.
He further emphasized the need for robust economic measures to tackle persistent challenges such as rising unemployment, stagnant or increasing prices despite an improving exchange rate, and the lack of reliable electricity. Konneh also voiced concern over the struggles faced by Liberian businesses and the nation’s faltering optimism.
A critical point raised by Senator Konneh was the neglect of Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in the 2024 budget. He lamented this oversight as a missed opportunity to combat the growing threat of illicit drugs, which he described as endangering Liberia’s youth and future.
“This is a call for decisive action. Leaders must prioritize this critical issue to safeguard our country,” Konneh stated, underscoring the urgency of allocating resources to address this escalating crisis.
While acknowledging the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers, Senator Konneh argued that Liberia, as one of the world’s poorest countries, cannot afford to operate like wealthier nations. He stressed that President Boakai’s success hinges on a cohesive and functional Legislature.
“President Boakai must unite us now, following the Supreme Court’s opinion, to make 2025 a better year for our country,” Konneh urged. He called for immediate presidential intervention to restore order in the House of Representatives and set the nation on a path toward progress.
As the country faces mounting economic and governance challenges, Senator Konneh’s pointed critique serves as a reminder of the critical need for leadership and collaboration to address the country’s pressing issues.
