Keeping the Promises during 2nd Session of the 55th Legislature -How AMK Fared in His Legislative Engagement, Oversight, Representation

MONROVIA – For a rookie legislator, pundits are generally opining that Senator Amara M. Konneh is unarguably living up to expectation in fulfilment of his legislative engagement, oversight and representative roles within the 55^th Legislature, evidenced by the plethora of activities outlined in his recent report to the Senate Plenary, dating from July 8, 2025 to April 2025.

 ⁠Public Hearing on National Anti-Drugs Response

During the period under review, Senator Konneh working on close consultation with Monterrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon on July 8, 2025 wrote to the Senate plenary inviting the Presidential Committee on Drugs to a public hearing to assess Liberia’s progress in combating illicit drug use and trafficking. The Committee has presented its framework document to the Senate for review.

Consolidated JPAC Report Submitted to the Senate

On June 30, 2025, the Joint Senate and House Public Accounts and Audit Committee (JPAC), which Senator Konneh co-leads, submitted their consolidated report on 12 audit reports for which public hearings were held during the Senate Plenary. 

“The report comprised findings from the General Auditing Commission (GAC) for review and legislative action. It is now with a Conference Committee to harmonize disagreements,” Senator Konneh indicated in his report.

Capitol Building Fire Investigation

Regarding the contentious issue of the Capitol Building fire, on May 29, 2025, Senator Konneh formally called on Plenary to summon the Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police, and Liberia National Fire Service to explain the continued delay in releasing the final investigation report into the December 2024 Capitol Building fire; and a hearing before Plenary was held on June 4.

Review of Investment Incentive Policies

“In June, I urged the plenary to review Liberia’s investment incentives framework comprehensively. I warned that outdated tax breaks and unchecked concessions are eroding national revenue. I recommended the inclusion of key agencies such as the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), National Investment Commission (NIC), National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), and relevant sector ministries,” the Gbarpolu County lawmaker stated.

⁠Enforcing the Empowerment of Liberian-Owned Business Participation through the Budget

Here, Senator Konneh requested a comprehensive review and a public hearing on the implementation of Section 4.4 of the Small Business Empowerment Act (2014), which mandates that at least 25% (about $80 to $100 million) of public procurement for goods and services in the National Budget be allocated to Liberian-owned businesses.

Upholding Constitutional Order

“Following the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the constitutional leadership of the House of Representatives, I stressed the need for full compliance with the rule of law. I called for national reconciliation to foster unity over division,” Senator Konneh said.

Health Service Oversight – Emirates Hospital

“On February 1, 2025, I highlighted critical challenges at Emirates and other hospitals across the country—lack of electricity, idle equipment, and patients forced to sleep outdoors – in a letter to Plenary, resulting in a public hearing before the entire Plenary. Despite an FY2024 allocation of US$350,000, only US$37,000 (10.6%) was disbursed to Emirates at the time, with a reduced FY2025 allocation of US$150,000. I called on the Ministers of Finance and Health to account for the drastic budget cuts and slow disbursements to health facilities nationwide. Though there have been improvements in our healthcare delivery, we need to do more,” he said.

Engagement – Lofa University

On July 17, 2025, Senator Konneh served as Guest Speakers for the Criminal Justice Department at Lofa University, where he made a 100,000 Liberian Dollar contribution to support the institution.

Gbarpolu County initiatives

-Medical and Educational Support

According to the Gbarpolu County lawmaker, in January 2025, he delivered medical equipment, supplies, generic medicines, and educational materials worth approximately US$1 million to strengthen our County Health and Education Teams.

“This effort was certified by the Liberia Medicines and Medical Equipment Regulatory Commission and reaffirms our commitment to supporting Emirates Hospital, clinics, and schools in the county. We have distributed textbooks, benches, and chairs to the following schools:

1. Gbarma District: Gbarma Central High, Vaye Tien High School, Zuo School, Yarngayah Elementary and Jr. High School, Takpoima School, Smith Town Elementary School, Balla-Bassa Elementary School, Kewollen Town Elementary School, and Warity Public School. We also distributed clothing to students and provided ice to support school feeding programs.
2.  

b) Bopolu District: Bopolu Central High, Bopolu Elementary, Bomboma Elementary School, and Bomboma Clinic.

c) Bokomo District. Monakorlleh Elementary School.

⁠Road Rehabilitation

With regards to road rehabilitation, Senator Konneh and his team rehabilitated the Yangayah, Nyaboi, and the Yangayah Junction to Weasua Roads in District #3, Gbarpolu County, reconnecting them to the vital Tubmanburg–Gbarma–Weasua economic corridor. This marks the first major restoration in nearly 10 years—a promise made and kept. We also worked with colleagues to pressure the Ministry of Public Works to rehabilitate the Bamboo Town Bridge, which provides critical access from the Brewerville store area to the Bopolu corridor. The bridge is still a work in progress.

 Clean Water Access

Due to river pollution caused by mining activities, Senator Konneh and his team rehabilitated four hand pumps to provide safe drinking water for communities along the Jinja River to ensure residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.

“Additionally, we collaborated with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to halt mining activities that polluted the Jinja River—the primary water source for several communities,” he said.

Cultural and Community Dispute Resolution

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we resolved disputes arising from Poro activities in Gbarma and financed the graduation of 800 initiates,” he said.

School Rehabilitation

Senator Konneh and team also rehabilitated Kongbor Elementary School’s roof after a storm damaged it.

Western Liberia Engagement Activities

“The Secretariat of the Western Liberia Legislative Caucus, which I head, finalized the Western Liberia Development Plan under Dr. Bernard’s guidance. The Chairman, Senator Alex Tyler, has formally presented the 5-year plan to the Liberian president, HE Joseph N. Boakai.

Senator Konneh as well co-sponsored the creation of Western Liberia University that will serve high school graduates from western Liberia.

International Engagement

Global Forum on Corruption

In April 2025, at the Partnerships for Anticorruption Global Forum in Washington, D.C., Senator Konneh presented a framework to combat corruption through strategic, political, and cultural institution-building.

He also participated in the annual Board meeting of the International Security Sector Advisory Team in Geneva to review the security and economic development nexus in fragile and conflict-affected states

Senator Amara Konneh reaffirms his commitment to effective representation, accountability, and service delivery, pledging to continue advocating for policies and actions that directly improve the lives of Liberians both in Gbarpolu County and nationally.

The Senate has adjourned for its quarterly constituency break.