Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph has petitioned the Liberian Senate to direct the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of funds allocated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to various government ministries and agencies from 2018 to 2025.
In a letter addressed to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Joseph emphasized the necessity for a thorough and independent review of USAID’s financial contributions to Liberia’s governance, infrastructure, education, health, and economic sectors. The audit, he stated, will assess the allocation of these funds, determine compliance with financial regulations, and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the projects funded by USAID.
The matter has been referred to the Committee on Public Accounts and Audit for further scrutiny. The committee is expected to examine the proposal and present its recommendations to the Senate within one week.
Senator Joseph argued that the audit would provide valuable insights into the implementation of USAID-funded projects and whether they have met their intended objectives. He also pointed to the recent freeze of USAID funding for Liberia as a catalyst for the need for an extensive review. He stressed that the findings of the audit would help guide future budget allocations and development planning.
“There is a need to understand the gaps and assess how USAID funding has trickled down,” Senator Joseph said. “This audit will help us restructure benefits, enhance budget planning, and ensure that decisions made on future appropriations are based on accurate data.”
The senator also stated that the audit would reinforce Liberia’s credibility in managing donor resources. He noted that, in light of the funding freeze, Liberia has a right to know the total amount of USAID funds allocated and how they have been spent.
In his letter to the Senate, Senator Joseph outlined four key areas for the audit: the distribution of USAID funds to government ministries and agencies, adherence to financial and procurement standards, the effectiveness of USAID-funded projects in achieving their goals, and the identification of any cases of financial mismanagement, inefficiencies, or misuse of funds.
Senator Joseph believes that the audit will foster greater public accountability and bolster Liberia’s commitment to transparent governance. He urged his colleagues to approve the request, stressing that the results will enhance Liberia’s partnership with USAID and ensure that donor funds are used effectively for the country’s development.
