By Grace Q. Bryant
Speaker Fonati Koffa underscored the critical role of transparency and accountability in governance of when he officially launched the Joint Public Accounts Audit and Expenditure Committee’s public hearings into the Auditor General’s Reports.
The event attended by key stakeholders including members of the Senate, heads of integrity institutions and international partners, marked the commencement of a thorough review process mandated by Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution and Section 4.2(g) of the General Auditing Commission Act of 2015.
The hearings will begin on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in the William R. Tolbert joint chambers.
“We gather to commend and advance the crucial work of transparency and accountability. What you do and what the Public Accounts Committee is involved in is the cornerstone of ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and responsibly,” Speaker Koffa began.
He highlighted the significance of the committee’s work, stressing that the process of evaluating audit reports and making them public is essential for good governance while giving an expression of his amazement at the progress made so far and reiterated his commitment to combating corruption.
“The battleground of corruption is right here, within the Legislature. It is our duty to ensure public transparency and accountability, which are key to our governance system. Transparency and accountability will be the hallmarks of the day,” he restated.
Speaker Koffa revealed ongoing efforts to enhance transparency within the legislature, including the near completion of the Senate’s system audit and plans to extend similar audits to the House and emphasized that while the Legislature’s share of public resources is often scrutinized, other sectors managing government resources must also be held accountable.
“I’m often amazed that despite numerous audit reports, inappropriate behavior or suspected crimes seem underreported. If there’s a suspicion of a crime, the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission should be immediately notified. This process should not be exclusive,” he asserted.
Speaker Koffa called on integrity institutions to be vigilant and proactive noting, “When you see something, you must say something. Fear of the executive should not paralyze your ability to make robust reports and interventions.”
He also cautioned against the premature release of audit findings on social media or other platforms, which can lead to misinformation and unwarranted accusations stressing, “We must develop a system that is fair and plays by one set of rules, ensuring no group is unfairly targeted in the context of accountability.”
Expressing confidence in the committee’s work, Speaker Koffa stated, “We trust the joint committee and the Public Accounts Committee to conduct these hearings with utmost professionalism, independence, and patriotism. Let the evidence lead you where it needs to.”
Speaker Koffa concluded by acknowledging the budgetary challenges faced by the Public Accounts Committee and pledged continued support and said, “We support what you do, congratulate you, and will always stand with you. Despite the challenges, your work is crucial for our nation’s integrity and progress.”
The event showcased the collective commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in Liberia’s governance thereby setting the stage for rigorous and impartial public hearings into the Auditor General’s Reports.
The Joint Public Accounts Committee Chairperson, Rep. Clarence Gahr emphasized the committee’s dedication to ensuring value for public spending amid fiscal challenges and highlighted the committee’s ambitious agenda for 2024, which includes publishing between five to 10 consolidated reports and instituting timely reviews of the Auditor General reports within ninety days of receipt.
Chairman Gahr also called upon the executive branch, through the office of President Joseph Boakai to grant full financial independence to anti-graft institutions. This, he stressed, is essential for their effective functioning without undue influence or delay.
The hearings, starting this Wednesday, will initially focus on entities such as the Public Works Ministry, Monrovia City Corporation, and the LOIC, among others while the committee is urging all current and former public officials to cooperate fully, emphasizing the impartial and professional nature of the proceedings.
“We are committed to conducting these hearings with utmost professionalism, independence, and patriotism,” stated Chairman Gahr stating further, “Our goal is to ensure that opinions expressed in these reports are free from partisanship and bias, serving the best interests of Liberia.”
The joint PAC Chair expressed gratitude to the legislative leadership and all partners for their steadfast support in the fight against corruption, pledging to uphold the highest standards of accountability in service to the nation.
Senate Pro-tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence said, “The PAC is a vital Joint Committee in our legislature, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability.”
She acknowledged the significant contributions and support from various partners, emphasizing the committee’s role in scrutinizing public expenditures and publishing comprehensive reports and added, “Your recommendations and the publication of these reports are fundamental to transparency.”
Senator Lawrence highlighted the Legislature’s support for the PAC, noting that it has the largest committee budget within the Legislature asserting, “We want to see the work, and we want to see results. To lead by example, the Senate has taken steps to enhance its own transparency and accountability.”
