Bong County Senator Johnny Kpehe has been elected as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs. Senator Kpehe assumed the position through a white ballot, as he ran unopposed for the role. His election follows the passing of the late Senator Prince Johnson, which created a vacancy within the Liberian Senate. The Senate Committee on Internal Affairs is a statutory body established by the National Legislature to oversee matters related to internal governance.
As Chairman, Senator Kpehe will now assume oversight responsibilities concerning Liberia’s internal affairs, particularly those managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Internal Affairs of the Liberian Senate holds a critical position in the country’s governance framework. It is tasked with providing oversight of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ensuring that the Ministry operates effectively and in accordance with national laws. This includes reviewing the Ministry’s policies, programs, and administrative functions, particularly in relation to local governance and community-based structures.
The Committee plays a central role in supervising Liberia’s local government system and the implementation of decentralization policies. It monitors the performance of county superintendents, district commissioners, mayors, and other local officials. Additionally, the Committee evaluates how County Development Funds and Social Development Funds are managed and used to improve local communities, ensuring accountability and transparency in the distribution and utilization of these resources.
A significant part of the Committee’s responsibility also includes oversight of traditional governance. It engages with traditional leaders such as paramount chiefs, clan heads, and elders to ensure their roles are respected and integrated within the national governance system. The Committee also works to ensure that traditional practices align with human rights standards and national legal frameworks.
Another important function of the Committee involves mediating boundary and land disputes across counties and districts. This includes addressing issues related to tribal land ownership and promoting peaceful resolutions to inter-county or inter-ethnic conflicts. In doing so, the Committee supports peaceful coexistence among Liberia’s diverse communities.
The Committee is also actively involved in maintaining internal peace and fostering social cohesion. It supports reconciliation efforts and monitors areas of potential unrest, working closely with other Senate committees and national institutions to promote stability. Its efforts are especially important in post-conflict settings or politically sensitive regions.
In the legislative arena, the Committee is responsible for reviewing, drafting, and recommending laws and amendments related to internal affairs, decentralization, and local governance. It holds hearings, consults with stakeholders, and ensures that legislation supports the equitable and effective governance of the country.
The Committee also takes an interest in disaster management and the resilience of communities affected by emergencies. It provides oversight of local responses to natural disasters and collaborates with relevant agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency. The Committee advocates for adequate budget allocations and strategic interventions to support affected areas and strengthen local preparedness.
Overall, the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs serves as a vital link between the national government and local communities, ensuring that governance, traditional authority, peacebuilding, and internal administration are effectively managed to promote development and national unity in Liberia.
