MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. Fonati Koffa, says the motion to hold the Recast Budget is intended to allow the Special Investigation Committee of the House to release its findings on the alleged alteration of the National Budget.
Recently, there have been claims and counterclaims between some members of the Executive and Legislative Branches of Government on the alleged alteration of the approved 2024 Budget.
Speaker Koffa said:” The argument between the two Branches prompted the Leadership of the House to constitute a Specialized Committee to investigate the alleged alteration of the approved Budget.”
In his opening address on Thursday, August 29, 2024, during a Special Session, Speaker Koffa noted that the decision to place a hold on the Recast Budget is in line with the body’s commitment to promote transparency and accountability in the governance of the Country.
Speaker Fonati Koffa assured Liberians that members of the House of Representatives remain committed to being open and accountable to the people of Liberia, saying that the scrutiny of the Budget is to ensure transparency.
In a related development, Speaker Fonati Koffa has disclosed that members of the House of Representatives are returning to work under challenging conditions, including working without pay.
He said:” The dedication of my colleagues returning to work without compensation demonstrates their commitment to the welfare and interest of the Country and people.”
Speaker Koffa commended members of the House of Representatives for agreeing to leave their break under constraint circumstances.
Cllr. Fonati Koffa spoke on Thursday during the opening of the Special Session of the House of Representatives.
At the same time, the Plenary of the Senate has mandated its Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget to begin the review of the Recast Budget.
It followed the reconvening and submission of the Recast Budget to Plenary on Thursday by the Executive.
The resource envelope for the Fiscal Year 2024 is USD 738.8 million, including a risk-adjusted portfolio of $721.5 plus $17.3 million to be raised through revenue measures.
The motion to forward the Recast Budget to the Liberian Senate’s Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget was filed by Maryland County Senator, Gbleh-Bo Brown.
However, it is not clear whether the hearings will be done jointly.
By: Augustine Saah/Sampson David