— as it 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧es 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
Monrovia July 8, 2025)-The Liberian Senate has taken a decisive step toward curbing what it describes as “unauthorized financial activities” at the local government level by summoning the Minister of Internal Affairs, County Superintendents, and County Council members for formal clarification.
This move follows growing concerns over alleged mismanagement of county development funds and a breakdown in transparency between local councils and national legislators.
During its 34th day sitting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Senate unanimously instructed its Secretary to formally notify the concerned parties to appear before the Committee of the Whole—a full session of the Senate—scheduled for Tuesday, July 15.
The action stems from a communication submitted by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Simeon Boima Taylor, who raised alarms over what he described as persistent violations of financial accountability standards by some local leaders. Taylor alleged that certain members of the County Council, including City Council representatives, have been making unilateral financial decisions—setting their own salaries, withdrawing public funds, and sidelining elected officials in development initiatives.
“Local leaders are invoking the Local Government Act as a shield for practices that clearly breach the principles of transparency and inclusiveness,” Senator Taylor asserted. He emphasized that lawmakers are increasingly being excluded from project planning and execution in their own constituencies.
In response, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence ordered that invitations be dispatched to the Minister of Internal Affairs and the accused local government actors to present explanations and help chart a path forward that aligns with the Local Government Act.
The upcoming appearance is expected to provide a crucial platform for confronting the growing tension between county administrations and national legislators—a dynamic that has raised questions about the implementation of Liberia’s decentralization agenda and the oversight of local development funds.
With public trust in governance at stake, all eyes will now turn to Capitol Hill on July 15, when the summoned officials will have their opportunity to respond before the nation’s highest legislative body.
