The Chair on Rules, Order, and Administration of the Majority Bloc, Representative James Kolleh, has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at centralizing and streamlining the administration of the House of Representatives.
During a press engagement at the Capitol Building, Kolleh, who represents Bong County, disclosed plans to address payroll fraud and attendance issues, emphasizing the “new leadership’s” commitment to transforming the Legislature.
In December, Kolleh announced that fraudulent names would be removed from the government payroll. He particularly pointed to certain directors in the Central Administration who have remained in the United States for months but continued to receive salaries from the supplementary payroll. Describing such practices as unethical, he said, “As of this December, names will be taken from the payroll.”
Kolleh also expressed concern over salary disparities within the House, revealing that some directors earn thousands of dollars. At the same time, lower-level employees at the Capitol Building are paid less than $300 monthly. “It makes no sense,” he lamented, calling for more equitable pay structures within the Legislature.
The Bong County lawmaker accused certain directors of “double-dipping,” meaning they receive pay from both the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and supplementary payroll. Kolleh assured the public that those involved would be forwarded to the CSA for investigation, and any recommendations would be addressed promptly. “The Committee on Rules, Orders, and Administration will ensure that the recommendations are forwarded to plenary for subsequent actions,” he explained.
In a move to enhance transparency and prevent future abuses, Kolleh hinted at publishing the names of individuals found guilty of payroll fraud. “We will name and shame those who engage in these illegal activities,” he asserted, aiming to deter others from similar misconduct.
One of the most significant reforms Kolleh proposed was introducing a biometric fingerprint system for attendance at the House of Representatives. According to Kolleh, this new system will replace the current manual attendance process, which he criticized for its lack of authenticity. The biometric system is designed to curb absenteeism, ensuring that only employees meeting attendance requirements receive their paychecks. “This program will stop absentees from receiving paychecks while local workers receive little or nothing,” he explained.
Kolleh also warned legislative staffers and employees against neglecting their duties, stressing that strict measures would be taken against those failing to report regularly. He referred to the CSA Standing Order, which dictates that any worker who abandons their post for 14 consecutive days without approved leave would face automatic dismissal.
Reiterating that the goal is not to “witch-hunt” anyone, Kolleh emphasized that the reforms are about enforcing adherence to CSA regulations governing the public sector workforce. “We want to do what is right, to ensure accountability and fairness in our system,” he stated.
The Representative also raised concerns about media personnel being on the payroll, alleging that some were placed there based on recommendations from embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Kolleh called for the immediate rectification of these irregularities, asserting that lawmakers must set the standard for ethical conduct. “Lawmakers have been accused of doing wrong for too long. It is high time we did the right thing,” he concluded.
