WECC, Audit Top Speaker Koffa’s 100-Day Progress Report

Moving a step closer to bringing overdue justice for the victims of serious abuses committed during the two civil wars, the House of Representatives, under the gavel of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, voted to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court.

The two conflicts between 1989 and 2003 saw widespread atrocities, including massacres, rape, and the use of child soldiers.

The House’s unparalleled decision is one of the new cultural acts of openness developing on Capitol Hill since the election of Speaker Koffa, who promised reforms during the Speakership race as he marks his 100 days in office on April 25. Koffa assumed authority of the Lower House on January 15, 2024—the same date the 55th Legislature came into being.

The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, supported by the Senate, is now before President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., for signature and printed into hand to become a law.

In addition to advancing justice for war victims, the House has approved an audit by the General Auditing Committee (GAC) to ensure compliance with legislative directives and enhance transparency in managing public funds.

This audit, the first in over 67 years, demonstrates a commitment to upholding good governance practices within the House of Representatives. Speaker Koffa’s call for asset declaration by legislators and the initiation of the audit process mark significant milestones in promoting accountability and integrity in government operations.

These two landslide decisions of the House of Representatives under Speaker Koffa’s gavel are part of his 100-day progress report, including scrutinizing and passing laws of critical national matters to enhance the economy and empower the Liberian people.

Meanwhile, for the first time since Liberia’s return to democracy in 2006,  after declaring his assets to the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission (LACC$, Speaker Koffa called on his colleagues in the 55th National Legislature to follow suit and declare their assets as prescribed by law to the LACC. Also, for the first time in 68 years, Speaker Koffa has worked with the GAC to kick-start the process of auditing the Legislature.

Friends and foes are expressing satisfaction over Speaker Koffa’s remarkable leadership and his capacity to work with all members of the House of Representatives in fostering a balanced government and getting things done for the Liberian people.

His collaborative approach and bipartisan support have been noted by observers, with praise extending to international circles for his leadership.

Observers on Capitol Hill say the Speaker’s leadership was the main reason the War and Economic Crimes Court joint resolution was archived. Some point to the open praise of Speaker Koffa on the US Embassy’s Facebook page as early signs of international approval for Speaker Koffa’s leadership of the Liberian Legislature.

The Koffa gavel has risen above partisan politics in many ways, especially when the President requested special financing to carry on the functions of government in the absence of the National Budget. Speaker Koffa has proven he can ignore political differences for the good of the Liberians.

The establishment of critical laws and resolutions, working towards economic empowerment, and bridging political divides for the greater national good have been key features of Speaker Koffa's first 100 days in office, signaling a forward-looking and inclusive approach to governance in Liberia.