MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando has issued a scathing critique of Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County, accusing him of abandoning his legislative duties and engaging in conduct that raises ethical concerns. In a strongly worded statement on January 3, 2025, Sando condemned Konneh for spending four months abroad, allegedly neglecting his responsibilities while continuing to receive his Senate salary and benefits.
“You abandoned your legislative functions for four solid months in violation of Senate rules, and all you do after returning from your safari is come on Facebook and post negativity about the country to paint a picture that nothing good is happening,” Sando wrote. He described Konneh’s actions as a conflict of interest and called on the Senate’s leadership to address the issue.
Sando’s criticism is rooted in Konneh’s role as Chair of the Senate’s Joint Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a body tasked with ensuring financial accountability. According to Sando, despite receiving budgetary allocations to support its operations, the PAC has failed to submit a single report since the current legislative session began over a year ago. He questioned Konneh’s commitment to combating corruption and holding the government accountable, asserting that such inaction undermines public trust.
The minister’s remarks come in response to a Facebook post by Senator Konneh earlier the same day, where the senator expressed his concerns about the state of governance under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. While acknowledging macroeconomic stability since the elections, Konneh pointed to persistent challenges, including electricity issues, high unemployment, rising drug use, and a lack of significant new investments.
Konneh also criticized the Legislature, describing it as “chaotic and benign,” accusing it of functioning as an extension of the executive branch. He lamented the difficulties of working within such an environment and questioned whether President Boakai’s administration needed a new approach to governance as Liberia moves into 2025.
Sando’s rebuttal, however, accused Konneh of hypocrisy. He argued that while the senator publicly critiques the government, his alleged negligence in fulfilling his legislative responsibilities contradicts his commitment to accountability and reform. “We all talk about fighting corruption, but the President alone cannot lead this fight. The Legislature has a pivotal role to play,” Sando wrote, emphasizing the importance of the PAC in ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Konneh’s social media post also touched on broader regional and global dynamics, highlighting the increasing geopolitical influence of China, Russia, and the United States in West Africa. He noted the rising global uncertainty, including the growing popularity of anti-incumbent candidates in elections worldwide. Konneh further expressed concerns about the toxic political climate in neighboring Sierra Leone, upcoming elections in Côte d’Ivoire, and persistent security challenges in Guinea.
Despite his critique, Konneh urged Liberians to reflect on the direction the country should take in 2025, framing governance as a process of learning from mistakes and recalibrating strategies. “Governance is like football. Sometimes, you score, and sometimes, you miss. It is what you do after you have missed that counts the most,” Konneh remarked, inviting citizens to share their perspectives and urging leaders to listen to dissenting voices.
Sando, however, dismissed these reflections, suggesting that Konneh’s critique lacked credibility given his alleged absence from legislative duties. “Maybe you should be held accountable to the great people of Gbarpolu for neglecting to represent them in the Senate,” Sando declared, calling for greater scrutiny of the senator’s actions.
The exchange between Sando and Konneh has generated substantial debate on Facebook, with many Liberians sharing their perspectives on the responsibilities of elected officials and the state of governance under the Boakai administration. While some have praised Konneh for addressing pressing issues, others have sided with Sando, arguing that the senator’s alleged actions detract from the validity of his criticisms.
Political commentators on social media, whose posts reflect varying perspectives, have highlighted that this public confrontation stresses the rising tensions within Liberia’s political landscape. As the country navigates complex economic, social, and governance challenges, many are reflecting on the achievements and shortcomings of 2024. Questions remain about the nation’s direction in 2025 and the kind of leadership required to meet the aspirations and concerns of the Liberian people.
