Senator Konneh Outlines Legislative Priorities -Plans to Confront ‘Business as Usual’

MONROVIA – Liberia’s legislative history is marred by a persistent trend of neglect and abuse of power, with lawmakers often prioritizing personal gain over their key responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation. From the patronage system of William V.S. Tubman’s era to the corruption scandals of recent administrations, the Liberian legislature has struggled to assert its authority and serve the people. Despite promises of reform, corruption remains endemic, with lawmakers frequently accused of accepting bribes and engaging in other forms of malfeasance. Many of them without legislative plans or agendas. Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh is arguably cutting the corner, outlining his priorities for the last sitting of 2025 and moving forward. Liberians are left wondering if this time will be different. The Analyst reports.

As the Legislature convenes for its last sitting in 2025, Senator Amara M. Konneh has outlined and released his priorities for the upcoming session, focusing on advancing reforms that strengthen accountability, modernize institutions, protect citizens, and provide an enabling environment for economic growth.

According to Senator Konneh, “Liberia cannot afford to continue with ‘business as usual’”.

He emphasized the need for urgent reforms to address the country’s development challenges, including the lack of transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships, medical malpractice, police brutality, and budget credibility.

Senator Konneh plans to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act to regulate PPP arrangements and ensure transparency and value for money.

“Every PPP must serve the Liberian people and not private interests,” he stressed.

The Senator also intends to enact the Medical Malpractice Accountability Bill to strengthen professional standards, establish reporting and oversight mechanisms, and provide remedies and compensation for malpractice victims.

‘This is about restoring trust in our health system and ensuring accountability where it matters most, human life,” he said.

Senator Konneh promised to work with colleagues to reform the police and improve public safety, including equipping officers with non-lethal tools and improving training and accountability standards.

“These reforms will help reduce fatal encounters, protect citizens, and safeguard officers in the line of duty,” he noted.

On budget credibility and debt sustainability, Senator Konneh highlighted the need for the budget to be executed as planned and for reducing the country’s domestic debt.

“The result has been compromised public service delivery and reduced public trust,” he is concerned.

Senator Konneh also emphasized the importance of strengthening corporate governance standards to ensure the diversity, competency, and integrity of those in corporate leadership and boost economic growth.

“I am happy that President Boakai has submitted legislation on SOES reforms,” he said. “I will work with my colleagues to strengthen and enact legislation that sets standards for corporate governance.”

In addition to these priorities, Senator Konneh promised to focus on mobilizing resources for the Western Region Development Agenda and addressing issues affecting Gbarpolu County, including the relocation of the burial site of the late King Sao Boso Kamara and the proliferation of Chinese and other foreign miners in the county.

The Senator called on his colleagues in government, the private sector, civil society, and the public to join him in shaping laws that reflect the country’s values and meet the urgent needs of the nation.

“I look forward to continuing to transform Liberia with you,” he said.

He said in conclusion: “I will initiate a conversation with county legislative colleagues, local government officials, traditional leaders, and citizens on the relocation of the burial site of the late King Sao Boso Kamara and reconcile our leaders and citizens. I will also formally engage with the Ministry of Mines to address the proliferation of Chinese and other foreign miners in Gbarpolu, which is degrading our environment, including major water sources for our people.

“These priorities reflect my conviction that Liberia must build institutions that protect lives, responsibly steward resources, and deliver justice. I call on my colleagues in government, the private sector, civil society, and the public to join me in shaping laws that reflect our values and meet the urgent needs of our nation. I look forward to continuing to transform Liberia with you.”