Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph has brought to light what appears to be unauthorized alterations made to the 2024 National Budget by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) subsequent to its approval by the Legislature.
During a press conference, Senator Joseph detailed the adjustments that have affected the instructions budgetary appropriations.
According to Senator Joseph, the Ministry of Finance allegedly reduced the budgetary allocations earmarked for critical institutions such as the National Fire Service (NFS) and Roberts International Airport (RIA).
Specifically, he asserted that the NFS saw its allocation slashed from $3 million, as originally appropriated by the Legislature, to a mere $2 million, a move he condemned as potentially crippling for an institution tasked with safeguarding lives and property against fires that intensify during the dry season.
Not only that, Senator Joseph emphasized, “I have also been reliably informed that the MFDP has similarly reduced the budget allocated to Roberts International Airport, despite the myriad challenges it faces.”
The senator underscored the urgent need for adequate funding of the institutions to address the operational deficiencies plaguing these institutions, especially in light of recent challenges they have been faced with.
In the wake of fire outbreaks that ravaged his constituency, Montserrado, the Senator believes the reduction of the NFS budget outside of the what’s enacted is a violation and complete disregard to the Legislature.
Expressing dismay over the discrepancies between the budget passed by the Legislature and the version allegedly altered by the MFDP, Senator Joseph called for immediate rectification of the discrepancies.
“The integrity and efficacy of our budgetary process must be upheld,” he insisted, emphasizing that any unauthorized changes undermine legislative authority and transparency.
Moreover, Senator Joseph raised concerns about the delayed availability of the amended budget to lawmakers, questioning why the National Legislature has yet to receive the finalized document, even though the fiscal year is well into its second quarter.
“Why are we not getting the budget we passed?” he queried, urging swift action to restore accountability and adherence to legislative mandates.
It cane recalled the controversy surrounding the 2024 National Budget prompted the House of Representatives to launch an investigation into the alleged alterations.
This decision, mandated during a recent legislative session following a communication from Representative Clarence G. Gar of Margibi County, reflects growing concerns over potential breaches of legislative protocol.
In his communication, Rep. Gar highlighted specific amendments, including the replacement of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO) with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which he claimed were made without proper authorization.
Such alterations, if substantiated, could severely undermine public trust in the government’s financial management practices and necessitate urgent remedial action.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders await clarification on the veracity of these claims and anticipate measures to restore integrity to the budgetary process.
The outcome of this inquiry will likely have significant implications for fiscal governance and accountability within Liberia’s legislative framework.
Senator Saah Joseph’s revelations underscore the imperative of upholding legislative integrity and ensuring transparency in budgetary allocations.
The alleged tampering of the NFS and RIA budgets underscores the critical need for responsible fiscal management to address pressing national challenges effectively.
