Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District #7 has welcomed the Liberian Senate’s decision to order a nationwide audit of county administrations and county councils, describing the move as a positive step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The Senate recently instructed the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive review of financial activities across counties, a decision aimed at ensuring that local authorities properly account for public resources entrusted to them.
In a public statement, Rep. Bility praised the initiative, noting that proper financial oversight at the county level is critical to promoting responsible governance and rebuilding public trust in government institutions.
According to the Nimba lawmaker, effective auditing of county administrations could significantly improve financial discipline and ensure that development funds are used for their intended purposes in communities across Liberia.
However, while supporting the Senate’s decision, Bility urged lawmakers to demonstrate the same level of transparency within their own institution. He argued that genuine accountability should begin with those at the highest levels of government.
“True accountability must begin at home,” Bility stated. “If we expect county officials and other public servants to be transparent and responsible in managing public funds, the national legislature must also be willing to subject itself to the same scrutiny.”
The lawmaker therefore called on the Senate to go a step further by allowing the General Auditing Commission to conduct an independent audit of the Senate’s own financial and administrative operations.
According to Bility, such a move would send a strong signal to the Liberian public that lawmakers are equally committed to transparency and integrity.
He added that if the Senate embraces this broader approach to accountability, it could mark a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to strengthen governance and restore public confidence in national institutions.
Bility concluded by commending the Senate for initiating the county audit process but emphasized that applying the same standard to the Legislature itself would demonstrate genuine leadership and commitment to democratic accountability.
