CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – 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 passage of the war and economic crimes court resolution and authorization to audit the House are two landmark decisions under Speaker Koffa’s gavel that are part of his 100-day’s progress report including scrutinizing and passing laws of critical national matters to enhance the economy and empower the Liberian people.
The House’s unparalleled decision is one of the new cultures of openness developing on Capitol Hill since the election of Speaker Koffa, who promised reforms during the Speakership race.
The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, supported by the Senate, is now before the President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., for signature and printed into hand to become a law.
Besides the justice for war victims, the House of Representatives has approved an audit by the General Auditing Committee (GAC) in a move to enhance accountability and transparency.
This decision, led by Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership, marks the first audit of the House in over 67 years since the construction of the Capitol Building.
The audit aims to ensure compliance with legislative directives and policies, enabling the government’s First Branch to control public funds as mandated by the law, starting from the 55th Legislature on January 15, 2024.
These two landmark decisions of the House of Representatives under Speaker Koffa’s gavel is part of his 100-day’s 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. 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 the brilliance of Speaker Koffa 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.
Capitol Hill watchers 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 Facebook page as early signs of international approval for the Speaker Koffa leadership of the Liberian Legislature.
The Koffa gavel has risen above partisan politics in many ways especially when President requested special financing to carry on the functions of government in the absence of the National Budget. Speaker Koffa has proven he is able to ignore political differences for the good of the Liberian economy.
