Concerns over transparency and adherence to the law have gripped Liberia as the approved 2024 national budget remains unpublished over 150 days after its signing into law by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
This delay, deemed a direct violation of the Liberia Amended Public Financial Management Law of 2019, has ignited sharp criticism from activists and citizens alike.
Martin K. N. Kollie, a prominent Liberian activist, has penned an impassioned open letter to President Boakai, calling for immediate public access to the approved budget.
According to Kollie, despite the budget being signed into law on May 8, 2024, and published into handbills on May 16, 2024, it has yet to see the light of day, contravening legal provisions mandating timely disclosure.
The budget in question underwent significant adjustments, with total revenues inflated by US$46.45 million from the initial proposal, prompting demands for clarity on how and why such modifications were made.
This increase, as outlined by Kollie, necessitates public scrutiny to ensure accountability in fiscal management.
Under Part 3, Section 19 of the Amended Public Financial Management Law, the public’s right to access both the proposed and approved budgets is enshrined, reflecting Liberia’s commitment to transparency in governance.
The delay in making the approved budget public has been condemned as a breach of trust and a setback in the government’s pledge to operate differently.
President Boakai’s administration, which has championed the “ARREST” agenda emphasizing the Rule of Law, now faces intensified scrutiny over its failure to uphold legal obligations regarding budget transparency.
Activists argue that the delay undermines public confidence and raises suspicions about the government’s handling of financial matters.
The country is yet to get a response to this mounting pressure.
Government officials have not assured the public that efforts are underway to rectify the situation and publish the approved budget without further delay.
However, activist Martine Kollie and others remain vigilant, demanding concrete actions to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability that are crucial for Liberia’s democratic governance.
As the nation waits for decisive action, the controversy surrounding the delayed budget publication underscores broader concerns about governance and the rule of law in Liberia.
With public trust hanging in the balance, the resolution of this issue will be pivotal in defining the Bouake administration’s legacy on financial transparency and accountability.
