Speaker Fonati Koffa Urges Sweeping Reforms to Regain Legislative Control Over Budget Process

Capitol Hill, Liberia – House Speaker Fonati Koffa has voiced serious concerns over Liberia’s budgetary process, asserting that the Legislature has "lost control" of its authority over national finances.

 His remarks came during the passage of the 2024 recast budget, where he called for immediate reforms to restore legislative oversight.

In a passionate address to lawmakers, Speaker Koffa criticized the Public Financial Management (PFM) law, arguing that it has transferred too much power to the Executive branch, particularly to the Minister of Finance.

"We have lost control of the budget process because the PFM law has given legislative authority to a non-elected official, the Minister of Finance, allowing him to make changes to the budget at will and according to his own whims.

 This must cease and must be amended," Koffa stated firmly.

The 2024 recast budget, which modifies the national financial plan for the year, has faced controversy over allegations of unlawful expenditures and modifications by the Executive branch.

 Speaker Koffa accused the government of bypassing legal protocols, stating, "Any budget spending that does not adhere to the laws governing such spending is illegal and against the law."

Koffa emphasized that the Legislature cannot overlook these breaches and must take action to hold the Executive accountable.

He called for a revision of the PFM law to ensure that future budgets are subject to greater legislative scrutiny and oversight.

As part of his proposed reforms, Speaker Koffa urged the establishment of a budget resource committee to ensure transparency and accountability in the budget process.

 "We must ensure that the budget we oversee with the Executive is one based on accountability and transparency," he emphasized.

Koffa also underscored the need to reform how the budget is presented and executed, advocating for stronger accountability measures to prevent the Executive from making unilateral changes.

 "The 2025 budget cannot proceed without revisions and amendments to the PFM law," he warned.

Despite his call for reforms, Koffa urged lawmakers to approve the 2024 recast budget while focusing on long-term changes to the budget process.

 "For those of you who are hesitant to vote for approval, I urge you to reconsider. We cannot delay our budget passage due to unnecessary processes," he remarked.

While Koffa’s call for reform has gained support, some lawmakers remain hesitant to endorse the recast budget, citing concerns over illegal expenditures. Nonetheless, the Speaker’s push for legislative reform signals a broader effort to restore the Legislature’s control over national finances.