Africa-Press – Liberia. Senator Konneh pointed out that Liberia’s total debt stock now stands at approximately US$2.7 billion – about 57 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – as of mid-2025.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Audit Amara Konneh has raised an alarm over the lack of budget accountability to support projects and programs for the benefit of the country and its citizens, thereby contributing to huge debts on the nation and the loss of public trust in the governance process of the country.
According to him, there also exists a matter of debt sustainability the country is grappling with.
Senator Konneh pointed out that Liberia’s total debt stock now stands at approximately US$2.7 billion – about 57 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – as of mid-2025.
His assertions were contained in a statement delivered during a regular session in the Chambers of the Liberian Senate on Tuesday.
He said Liberia’s domestic debt, which has reached US$1.1 billion, makes up 41.9% of the total stock.
Senator Konneh maintained that this is alarming because the government’s domestic borrowing crowds out private sector investment, as it competes with businesses for limited resources.
He noted that debt servicing strains fiscal space, eating into funds that could be used for infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He added that the current situation also erodes public trust, as irregularities in debt management raise questions about accountability.
Quoting a recent report from the General Auditing Commission (GAC), Senator Konneh mentioned significant irregularities related to domestic debt in Liberia.
According to him, the Commission rejected 88 percent of domestic debt claims due to missing documentation and unsupported payment requests.
He observed that though there have been efforts to improve domestic revenue collection, increase debt sustainability, and strengthen overall public financial management, problems persist in ensuring the budget is executed as planned.
Senator Konneh stated that the result has compromised public service delivery and reduced public trust.
“Budget credibility in Liberia is a significant challenge due to factors such as off-budget spending, weak oversight, and issues with timely implementation. I will work with colleagues in the Legislature and the Executive to address this long-standing issue, dating back before my time as Finance Minister,” he said.
“Too many public, private, and civil society organizations in our history have failed due to poor corporate governance. Too many families endure preventable deaths and injuries from healthcare providers without accountability. And we have seen a concerning rise in attacks on police officers by citizens and police shootings resulting in fatalities, highlighting safety concerns and potential underlying issues. This session, I will focus on five urgent priorities,” he continued.
Medical Malpractice Accountability
Senator Konneh indicated that though Liberians deserve safe and reliable healthcare, too many lives are lost or permanently harmed due to negligence and malpractice, with no recourse for victims or their families.
He vowed to introduce a bill named and styled: “Medical Malpractice Accountability Bill” to strengthen professional standards, establish reporting and oversight mechanisms, and provide remedies and compensation for malpractice victims.
He averred that the move is intended to restore trust in the country’s health system and ensure accountability where it matters most, human life.
Police Reform and Public Safety
Senator Konneh observed that trust between law enforcement officers and the public has remained fragile in the 22 years since the end of the Liberian civil conflict.
He promised to work with his colleagues on the Defense, Security and Intelligence Committee and national security stakeholders in the Legislature and the Executive to address the situation.
He stressed that officers would be equipped with non-lethal tools such as pepper spray and de-escalation kits, while mandating improved training and accountability standards.
“These reforms will help reduce fatal encounters, protect citizens, and safeguard officers in the line of duty.”
Corporate Governance
Senator Konneh said strengthening institutions requires a holistic approach that ensures that the public and private sectors operate in predictable integrity.
He expressed excitement over the submission of a proposed legislation by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on reforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOES) in the country.
“I will work with my colleagues to strengthen and enact legislation that sets standards for corporate governance. These standards will help ensure the diversity, competency, and integrity of those in corporate leadership, safeguard the stability of our institutions in all sectors, and boost economic growth by attracting investment.”
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act
He further observed that Liberia has entered into numerous PPP arrangements over the years, but there exists no comprehensive legal framework to regulate them.
Senator Konneh asserted that this gap has created space for inefficiency, opacity, and misuse of public resources
He vowed to introduce a PPP Act that establishes clear rules, enforces transparency, and guarantees value for money, noting that, “every PPP must serve the Liberian people and not private interests.”
Regional Focus
Senator Konneh intimated that mobilizing resources for the Western Liberia Development Agenda, a regional development effort by the Western Region Legislative Caucus that aligns with the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development.
He said he would initiate conversation with county legislative colleagues to relocate the burial site of the late King Sao Boso Kamara and reconcile leaders and citizens.
He promised to Work with the Ministry of Mines to address the proliferation of Chinese and other foreign miners in Gbarpolu, which is degrading the environment and major water sources for the citizens.
Senator Konneh, however, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing reforms that strengthen accountability, modernize institutions, protect citizens, and provide them with the enabling environment to create and thrive.
He observed that Liberia cannot afford to continue with “business as usual.”
Senator Konneh said too many public-private partnerships operate without due process and proper guidance.
“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,” Senator Konneh added.
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