As the Senate deliberates on the draft budget for Fiscal Year 2026, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has emphasized the need for a more equitable and sustainable budget that prioritizes the needs of all Liberians.
With a budget exceeding $1 billion for the first time in the country’s history, Senator Konneh commends the government for this milestone but expresses concerns about the budget’s alignment with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) priorities.
Senator Konneh notes that the budget allocates only $594 million to AAID sectors, leaving a funding gap of $1.08 billion.
This disconnect between Liberia’s stated development goals and its actual fiscal choices raises concerns about the budget’s credibility and developmental impact.
Furthermore, the budget’s reliance on external financing exceeds domestic commitment, undermining national ownership and long-term sustainability.
The Senator highlights the underfunding of critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
The proposed FY2026 health sector budget totals $101.7 million, resulting in a national per capita allocation of $19.37, which is well below global benchmarks.
Similarly, the education budget increases to $132.9 million, but its 12% growth rate trails the overall fiscal expansion. Spending remains centralized, with the University of Liberia and payroll under Fiscal Affairs absorbing over 60% of sector resources.
To address these concerns, Senator Konneh recommends realigning the budget with AAID priorities, strengthening domestic ownership of development, and incorporating State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) contributions into the national budget.
He also emphasizes the need to prioritize equitable access, preventive care, and infrastructure investments across all counties.
Senator Konneh calls on his colleagues in the Legislature to work together to create a budget that fosters wealth creation for Liberian entrepreneurs and prioritizes the needs of all Liberians.
