Sen. Konneh Reports Legislative Actions-Outlines reforms, oversight, citizen focus

MONROVIA – At a time when public demand for accountability and tangible governance outcomes continues to intensify, Amara M. Konneh has released his First Quarter Report for the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, outlining a broad agenda of legislative action tied to the lived realities of ordinary Liberians. Framed around economic reform, oversight, and social protection, the report seeks to bridge policy with everyday struggles—from market access and mining livelihoods to public service delivery and justice. It also reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and constituency engagement. Yet, as with many legislative reports, the ultimate measure will lie in implementation and sustained impact across communities nationwide. THE ANALYST reports.

Senator Amara M. Konneh has presented a sweeping account of his legislative engagements and policy interventions, asserting that his work in the Liberian Senate remains anchored in improving the everyday lives of citizens—from market women and rural miners to teachers, health workers, and struggling commuters.

In his First Quarter Report for the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, the Gbarpolu County lawmaker outlines a wide-ranging portfolio of initiatives spanning economic reform, financial sector strengthening, governance oversight, social services, and targeted county-level interventions.

Central to the report is a renewed push to modernize Liberia’s Small Business Act, enhance financial regulation, strengthen audit systems, and address long-standing national concerns such as volunteer workers, underage gambling, and civic education gaps.

The report further highlights his leadership role in advancing accountability measures, including audits of all county administrations, scrutiny of state-owned enterprises, and calls for updates on the War and Economic Crimes Court—while also detailing interventions in Gbarpolu’s mining sector and community support programs.

SEE BELOW For the full text of Senator Amara M. Konneh’s First Quarter Report:

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐌. 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟓𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)

When we returned to the Senate earlier this year, I committed that every action I take would be guided by one principle: every decision must make life better for ordinary Liberians. The market woman in Red Light. The miner in Weasua and Kpo Mountain. The teacher and health worker volunteering in a rural school and clinic. The commuter struggling with rising transport fares. The mother still waiting for justice for loved ones lost in the war. These are the people whose lives must shape our work.

This report reflects the efforts we have championed so far. It outlines the concrete steps taken to protect people, strengthen communities, and build a fairer Liberia. The structure remains the same, but the heart of the work is clearer. Every initiative is tied to the lived realities of our citizens. I hope you find the time to read it.

Below are the issues we advanced with colleagues during the first session of the third term.

𝐈. 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

𝐈. 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦, 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

1. As part of our broader economic governance agenda, we are advancing a major legislative effort to protect and empower Liberia’s informal sector. Working closely with the Office of the Vice President, who serves as the chief champion of this initiative, we are aligning and strengthening the current Small Business Act to ensure that Liberians are placed firmly in charge of their own economy. This bill will modernize the legal framework governing small and informal enterprises, enforce Liberian participation across key sectors, and expand economic space for market women, petty traders, artisans, and micro entrepreneurs.

We intend to finalize and introduce this legislation for enactment upon our return from constituency break.

2. Together with the Chair of the Senate Banking and Currency Committee, championed the enactment of the Central Bank of Liberia Financial Institutions Holding Act 2026 to modernize the 1999 regulatory framework and enhance financial sector oversight, which includes regulations for financial intelligence and reporting.

𝐈𝐈. 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐰

1. The adoption of the Joint Public Accounts and Audits Committee consolidated report covering twelve audit reports submitted by the Auditor General from the previous administration, following a series of public hearings, legal consultations, and a retreat, to ensure fairness to auditees and promote transparency and accountability.

2. Formally called on the Liberian Senate, through Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, to provide an update on the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, which was approved in 2024 and supported by Joseph Boakai to ensure justice for victims of Liberia’s civil wars from 1989 to 2003.

3. As Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts, Expenditures, and Audits Committee, I cited the head of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission on behalf of the Committee to justify a No Objection granted for a single-source contract to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority to negotiate with a new service provider to monitor Liberia’s Telecom Gateway. In contrast, a ratified contract between the Government of Liberia and Telecom International Alliance, currently suspended by Executive Order, is in violation of Liberian law.

4. In response to Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar’s call to the Senate Plenary to review public spending in the counties, a matter referred to the Public Accounts Committee, which I chair, by Plenary, we officially authorized the General Auditing Commission to conduct thorough audits of all fifteen county administrations and councils across Liberia. These comprehensive audits, covering the period from January 2024 to March 2026, come as the Ministry of Internal Affairs prepares to transition to the Ministry of Local Government, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

5. Formally requested the General Auditing Commission and the Bureau of State Owned Enterprises to verify the submission of Annual Financial Reports from State Owned Enterprises for Fiscal Year 2025, in fulfillment of Section 45 of the Public Financial Management Act.

𝐈𝐈𝐈. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

1. Submitted targeted amendments to the Draft Public Health Law Revised 2022 to align it with international best practices, strengthen legislative oversight, and safeguard patient rights, including due process and penalties for medical malpractice.

2. Underage gambling is on the rise in Liberia, according to several media reports. We requested the Senate to look into this by inviting the Managing Director of the Liberia National Lottery Authority to address growing concerns about unregulated gambling activities across several counties.

3. Formally called the Senate’s attention to the absence of Civics education in many schools despite reports of a new curriculum. A scheduled hearing with the Minister of Education, Jarso Maley Jallah, is planned for the second sitting that begins in May.

4. We formally raised the perennial issues of volunteer health workers and teachers in our health and education sectors three years into President Boakai’s administration. We requested that the Senate summon the Ministers of Education and Health, along with the Civil Service Agency and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, to update the Senate on the status of volunteer workers nationwide.

5. Shared our concerns with Senate leadership about the sharp increase in global shipping costs due to the Middle East crisis and disruptions in maritime routes, proposing the following measures to provide relief to our citizens should the situation worsen:

a. Temporary reduction of import tariffs on essential goods

b. Reduction of excessive port and customs fees

c. Faster port clearance processes

d. Stabilization of fuel prices

e. Protection of commuters from sudden

transportation fare increases

f. Ensuring a stable food supply and preventing

hoarding

g. Reduction in fuel consumption across the GOL as

a leadership example

𝐈𝐈. 𝐆𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

1. Mining is a vital driver of the Gbarpolu economy and contributes significantly to the national budget and overall economy. The artisanal nature of mining in Gbarpolu provides income for many, making regulation challenging. However, mining-related environmental damage pollutes critical water sources and significantly increases flood risks during the rainy season, endangering homes and lives. Therefore, I have formally demanded that the Minister of Mines and Energy, R. MatenokayTingban, provide comprehensive information on all Class A, Class B, and Class C mining and exploration licenses operating in Gbarpolu County. This will help lawmakers and local officials accurately assess the sector. Additionally, we have called for an immediate suspension of large-scale mining activities in Weasuain Gbarma District and Crab Hole in Bopolu District, both of which pose severe environmental dangers. This suspension should remain in place until the Ministry of Mines and the Environmental Protection Agency establish a robust regulatory framework to mitigate environmental risks effectively.

2. Bao Chico Resources Liberia Limited, a Hong Kong-based mining company operating in Gbarpolu County, has a Mineral Development Agreement that requires the establishment of a dedicated social development fund for the region. This fund has been set up. To ensure transparency, I formally requested the Chairman of the Dedicated Fund Committee to verify the following: a. Proof of the initial deposit by Bao Chico; b. Documentation on fund account opening; c. Details of authorized signatories and account operations; and d. Minutes or resolutions approving fund allocation and bank account setup.

I am pleased to report that the Committee has provided the necessary information, which has been broadcast on the radio for public dissemination. Our next step is to ensure the prudent use of these resources for community benefit.

3. We provided financial assistance, documented, to institutions, families, and individuals across key sectors in the county, including Agriculture (support to farmers), Education (school fees, volunteer teachers’ pay), and Health (hospital bills) through my AMK True Liberia Foundation:

𝐋𝐃 $𝟐,𝟎𝟓𝟎,𝟕𝟎𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐒 $𝟐𝟖, 𝟗𝟗𝟓

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥: 𝐔𝐒 $𝟒𝟎,𝟐𝟔𝟐

𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆: 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐲 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓, 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒆 𝑲𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑬𝒊𝒅 𝑨𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒕𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒏. 𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒙 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌.

𝐈𝐈𝐈. 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐮𝐬

1. In collaboration with colleagues from the Western Region Legislative Caucus, we held working sessions with the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee and senior management of Western Cluster Liberia Limited. The purpose was to review the company’s compliance with its financial and social obligations to host communities in Bomi, as well as its commitments to Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties under the Mineral Development Agreement.

2. Participated in discussions to program budget resources to support the Western Region Development Agenda in our three count is, namely, to jumpstart the Western Region University in Tubmanburg, moving the Emirates Hospital one step closer to becoming a full-fledged regional hospital serving citizens in western Liberia, and assessing the rehabilitation of the Hotel Wakorlor, formerly named Hotel Victoria, built in the early 1970s by the late President William R. Tolbert to house guests for the country’s 126th Independence celebration, to support tourism potential in Grand Cape Mount County.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with colleagues to advance these key national, county, and regional issues during recess and upon our return in May. We will begin our visit to Gbarpolu County in mid-April to report to our constituents, engage with them, particularly on challenges we have flagged in the mining sector and local governance, and spend time with them. We thank the people of Gbarpolu County, always, for the opportunity to represent them in the Liberian Senate.

As always, we appreciate your comments and constructive feedback on our work, which helps us with our constitutional oversight and improve as we advocate for good governance and accountability for results. I appreciate your support.

Photos: I have included select photographs of working sessions and negotiations with colleagues in the Senate chambers to help you appreciate the collaboration. It was a busy session.