By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberian Senate concurs with the House of Representatives on the ratification of a loan agreement between the Liberian Government and the International Development Association (IDA).
The loan agreement entitled, “Resilient Recovery Stand Alone Development Policy Financing” is in the tone of US$65 million.
It can be recalled that a report from the Senate’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget was debated on last Tuesday over the source and purpose of the loan.
According to our Senate Reporter, after the last week debate, the plenary mandated the committee to report back on the purpose of the loan on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Our Reporter added that the report as mandated, did not take place during Thursday’s sitting of the Liberian Senate.
The concern focused on the timing of the instrument, as Montserrado County District 10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah raised eyebrows over the speedy passage of the agreement at the level of the House.
However, during the voting on Thursday, 16 senators voted yes while eight senators voted no to concur with the House of Representatives.
Those Senators voting in favor of the passage of the agreement were Saah Joseph, Milton Teahjay, Augustine Chea, Cllr. Varney Sherman, Simeon Taylor, Henrique Tokpa and Marshall Dennis.
Others are Senators Morris Saytuma, Edwin Snowe, Jim Tornalah, J. Emmanuel Nuquay, Francis Paye, Willington Geevon Smith, Conmany Wesseh, Daniel Naetah and J. Gbeh-bo Brown.
While, those Senators voting against the loan passage loan agreement were Darius Dillon, Nyoublee Karngar-Lawrence, James Biney, Boto Kanneh, Prince Johnson, Jeremiah Koung, Prince Moye and Johnathan BoyCharles Sogbie.
Meanwhile, Senate Pro-tempore Albert Chie has instructed the Secretary of the Liberian Senate to communicate the body’s decision on the ratification of the financial instrument to the Executive through the office of the President.
