Cllr. Johnathan Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has traveled to Accra, Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama. Koffa departed Liberia on January 5, 2025, aboard an Asky Airlines flight, and he is expected to participate in the inauguration ceremony on January 7, 2025, at Accra’s Black Star Square.
During his time in Ghana, Koffa is also scheduled to meet with various political figures, including Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, who has been involved in significant internal political disputes. These disputes led to a Supreme Court ruling in November 2024 that impacted the political landscape in Ghana.
After the Ghanaian inauguration, Koffa will proceed to Washington D.C. to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
However, Koffa’s international schedule contrasts sharply with the political turbulence surrounding Speaker Richard Koon of the ‘Majority Bloc’. Reports have surfaced indicating that Koon’s application for a U.S. visa was denied in late December 2024, raising questions about the reasons behind the decision. Some insiders speculate that the use of his diplomatic passport as Speaker of the House might have contributed to the rejection. Koon has not publicly commented on the matter.
In addition to the visa issue, Speaker Koon is embroiled in a serious controversy concerning a stolen 2024 GMC Yukon. The vehicle, which had been reported as missing in Philadelphia, was traced to Liberia, where it was found in Koon’s possession. Investigations revealed that Koon had allegedly purchased the vehicle from a notorious car thief, known as the “Bush Meat Doctor,” for $135,000, with an initial payment of $70,000. This discovery has prompted concerns over international car theft rings involving Liberian officials.
Further complicating the situation, Koon’s ‘Majority Bloc’ is at the center of a corruption scandal involving the alleged misappropriation of more than $500,000 designated for legislative activities. Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility has accused Koon’s faction of embezzling the funds, which were intended for engagements with 28 House members loyal to Koffa. Instead, these funds were reportedly distributed among a small group of individuals, raising widespread concerns over corruption within the legislature.
Bility has called for immediate investigations by key anti-corruption bodies, including the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the General Auditing Commission (GAC), and the Ministry of Justice. Bility emphasized the urgency of holding the responsible parties accountable, stating that “the world is watching” and justice must prevail.
