Concerns over wasteful spending, corruption, and financial mismanagement have once again dominated national discourse, with revelations that $17 million was allocated for legislative hearings in the 2024 fiscal year. This alarming figure has prompted Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh to demand an explanation from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) regarding how the funds were spent.
His concern led to Senate Plenary decision , mandating the Minister of Finance and Development Planing to respond while remaining under oath to address this with other issues.
As part of the ongoing budget scrutiny, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, under oath, is set to return to the Plenary of the Liberian Senate to provide detailed explanations on the controversial expenditure. Lawmakers are particularly keen on understanding how such a significant amount was expended on legislative hearings and whether it aligns with national priorities.
The Minister initially appeared before the Senate on Tuesday in response to a summons regarding delays in printing and distributing the approved 2025 National Budget. However, senators quickly expanded their inquiry, raising concerns over other alleged financial irregularities, including the $17 million budget outturn.
By law, the previous fiscal year’s budget outturn must be compiled and presented by the end of April. However, Senator Konneh’s inquiry suggests that critical financial disclosures may come earlier than anticipated. His push for transparency reflects growing frustration among lawmakers and the public over unexplained government expenditures.
Additionally, under oath, the Minister is expected to clarify why $300,000 was allocated to Karpower in the approved 2025 budget, despite the Legislature having removed the provision before the budget’s passage. This discrepancy has further fueled suspicion over possible budget manipulation and unauthorized spending.
During his initial response to the Senate, the Minister reassured lawmakers of his commitment to transparency and accountability. He pledged to work closely with them to ensure that all financial concerns are addressed with clarity and honesty. While he did not outright confirm the allegations, he acknowledged the need for decisive action to eliminate poor financial practices and hidden motives.
The Minister also pointed out that he was only appointed in September 2024, indicating that he may not have full knowledge of all financial transactions executed before his tenure. However, he emphasized his determination to implement stringent corrective measures where necessary.
“There will be tough decisions, and we want to make it clear that we will work with you to ensure the necessary actions are taken,” Minister Ngafuan assured senators on Tuesday.
As scrutiny over public expenditures intensifies, the Ministry of Finance is under increasing pressure to provide full accountability. The Senate’s ongoing probe into the $17 million allocation is expected to set the tone for broader discussions on financial discipline and transparency within the government.
