Monrovia – As the Third Session of the 55th National Legislature resumes today Monday, January 12, 2025, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Audit (PAC) Senator Amara Konneh has released his 2025 Legislative Accomplishment Report, with a pledged to remain focused and committed to strengthening governance and championing the need for the protection of public resources for the benefit of Liberia and its citizens.
By Obediah Johnson
Senator Konneh termed the year under review as a year marked by Strong Oversight, Fiscal Accountability, and Community Impact.
In the report released on Sunday, January 11, Senator Konneh pledged to also help improve the lives of his constituents.
He recalled that decisive actions on national governance, fiscal accountability, public financial management, and community development were also taken by him for the betterment of the nation and its people.
“2025 demanded courage, accountability, and a commitment to the people we serve,” Senator Konneh said. “I remain focused on strengthening governance, protecting public resources, and delivering real improvements in the lives of the people of Gbarpolu County and Liberia.”
Senator Konneh described 2025 as “a year of hard choices, strong oversight, and people centered advocacy,” noting that his work spanned county, regional, national, and international arenas.
Senator Konneh pointed out that he played a central role in addressing major national challenges, including the drug epidemic, constitutional tensions in the House of Representatives, and the investigation into the December 2024 Capitol Building fire.
He disclosed that key national engagements included: National Anti Drugs Public Hearing: where he Co led a Senate hearing with the Presidential Committee on Drugs to assess Liberia’s response to illicit drug use and trafficking.
He added that under Defense of Constitutional Order, he issued a public statement urging compliance with the Supreme Court ruling affirming former Speaker Fonati Koffa’s leadership.
Senator Konneh recalled that he also requested and secured a full Senate hearing with the Ministry of Justice, LNP, and Fire Service on delays in releasing the fire investigation report on the Capitol Building incident.
“As Co Chair of the Joint Public Accounts and Audit Committee (JPAC), Senator Konneh led months of hearings on public financial management and submitted a consolidated report covering twelve GAC audits,” he stated.
On additional fiscal interventions made to promote accountability in the health sector during the last session, Senator Konneh recalled how he exposed severe operational failures at Emirates Hospital and triggered at a Senate hearing that led to corrective actions. He warned against the approving of the FY2026 Budget without addressing unauthorized transfers that diverted funds from priority sectors.
On National Debt Transparency, Senator Konneh raised concerns over Liberia’s US$2.7 billion debt stock and called for stronger fiscal discipline.
Senator Konneh also championed policies aimed at empowering Liberian businesses and increasing public investment in growth sectors.
For the Enforcement of the Small Business Empowerment Act, the Gbarpolu County Senator requested a full review of Section 4.4, which mandates that at least 25% of public procurement be reserved for Liberian owned businesses. He advocated for budgetary increment for Agriculture ector and the Robert International Airport (RIA).
In keeping with Investment Incentive Reform, Senator Konneh called for a comprehensive review of outdated tax exemptions and concession agreements.
Senator Konneh reported that he supported the TotalEnergies Production Sharing Agreement but opposed the Oranto Petroleum contract due to governance concerns. He abstained from the Ivanhoe agreement vote, citing procedural flaws.
At the county level, Senator Konneh delivered tangible improvements across health, education, infrastructure, and community cohesion.
Major accomplishments included: the US$1 Million in Medical and Educational Supplies: Delivered equipment and materials benefiting Emirates Hospital, clinics, and schools, School and Water Infrastructure: Rehabilitated Kongbor Elementary School’s roof and restored four hand pumps along the Jinja River, Road Rehabilitation: Completed major works reconnecting communities in District #3 for the first time in nearly a decade, and Traditional Dispute Resolution: Helped resolve Poro related disputes and supported traditional leadership dialogues.
Regional and International EngagementAs Head of the Secretariat of the Western Liberia Legislative Caucus, Senator Konneh oversaw completion of the Western Liberia Development Plan and co sponsored legislation establishing a Western Liberia University.
Internationally, he also presented an anti corruption framework at the Partnerships for Anti-corruption Global Forum in Washington, D.C, and participated in the International Security Sector Advisory Team Board Meeting in Geneva.
