Cestos City, Rivercess County – August 5, 2025 – District Two Representative Steve Tequeh has pledged to push for legislative action that would grant the Liberia National Red Cross Society full autonomy, empowering it to manage its own national budget without dependence on unstable external or government support.
Rep. Tequeh, who is a key member of the House Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget Planning, made the commitment during a strategic engagement with Red Cross volunteers in Cestos City over the weekend. The meeting was part of his broader initiative to strengthen collaboration with community-based organizations across Rivercess District Two.
Addressing volunteers and local representatives of the Liberia Red Cross Society, Rep. Tequeh emphasized the importance of recognizing the organization as an autonomous government agency. He noted that the Red Cross plays a vital role in delivering emergency response, health services, disaster relief, and other life-saving interventions across the country—often in hard-to-reach communities.
“The Liberia National Red Cross Society has for too long operated under the pressure of uncertain and inadequate funding. As a nation, we must now move toward formally recognizing it as an autonomous entity, fully equipped to plan and implement its national agenda without depending on inconsistent budgetary allocations,” Rep. Tequeh asserted.
He further disclosed that he will leverage his role on the House Budget Committee to initiate and advocate for legislative reforms that institutionalize the financial independence of the Red Cross. This, he believes, will enhance the organization’s operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“This is not just about funding—it’s about protecting the integrity of humanitarian work in Liberia,” he added. “An autonomous Red Cross will be able to respond more swiftly to emergencies, plan more strategically, and partner more effectively with both national and international agencies.”
The Liberia National Red Cross Society, though historically recognized through national law, has struggled with financial instability due to its reliance on unpredictable government subventions and donor contributions. Calls for its autonomy have gained momentum in recent years as the need for a reliable and responsive humanitarian agency becomes increasingly apparent in the face of climate change, public health crises, and localized disasters.
