Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, is under intense scrutiny from the Liberian Senate following allegations that he reversed the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)’s Salary Harmonization Policy without the consent or approval of the National Legislature.
The matter was brought to the Senate’s attention by Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe, head of Liberia’s delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during Thursday’s plenary session.
Senator Snowe informed his colleagues that Minister Ngafuan had reportedly announced the reversal of harmonized remuneration at several key government institutions—including the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), General Auditing Commission (GAC), and the Judiciary Branch—without legislative authorization.
Snowe recalled that the National Legislature enacted the Harmonization Act in 2019 to standardize government salaries, making it law. He emphasized that under the leadership of Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence, the Senate has remained concerned about any reversal of the policy, which she also referenced in her recent opening address.
The senator argued that only the Legislature has the authority to repeal or amend the law, and any pronouncement by the Executive Branch to reverse the Act is a gross violation and shows disrespect for the country’s legislative body. He warned that such actions undermine the Legislature’s role and authority.
Snowe further asserted that these developments raise critical questions about legislative oversight, adherence to approved budgetary decisions, and compliance with the legal framework governing public sector remuneration.
He pointed out that the Act to Establish the National Remuneration Standardization of 2019 remains in full force and effect, as it has neither been repealed nor amended by the Legislature. This Act provides the statutory basis for harmonized pay across public institutions and does not authorize any unilateral reversal by the Executive Branch or its ministries.
“In light of these concerns and the Senate’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, I respectfully request that this Honorable Body formally invite the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to appear before the Senate. The Ministry should clarify the accuracy of the reported reversals of harmonization and provide the specific legal authority under which such actions were taken. These inquiries are essential to safeguard legislative prerogatives, uphold the rule of law, and ensure transparency and accountability in managing public resources. I trust in this Plenary’s commitment to constitutional governance and institutional integrity,” Senator Snowe concluded.
Following Senator Snowe’s communication and explanation, the Senate plenary decided to refer the matter to the Public Accounts Committee—already reviewing the Act—and to include the Committees on Judiciary, Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget in investigating the issue.
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