Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL) and members of the Liberian Senate are working together to enhance national policies aimed at increasing domestic revenue mobilization, combating illicit financial flows, and supporting development initiatives. This collaboration, funded by the Tax Justice Network for Africa, took a significant step forward with a dialogue held on October 23, 2024, at Monrovia City Hall, where various stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies and gather insights for policy enhancement. Program Director Navin Ireland highlighted the ongoing relationship between IWL and the legislature, particularly through Senator Francis Dopoh, noting the formation of the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT). Established in 2021, this caucus has been instrumental in promoting legislative reforms aimed at reducing illicit financial flows and boosting revenue mobilization across Liberia.
Senator Nya D. Twayen from Nimba County emphasized the importance of the Senate’s role in passing legislation that would bolster domestic revenue mobilization, pointing out that the distinguished members should leverage their diverse governmental experiences to uplift the lives of Liberians. He advocated for a results-driven approach to governance, underscoring that with the current talent pool in the Senate, it is vital to enact meaningful changes for citizens. Senator Twayen’s optimistic outlook revolves around timely amendments before the anticipated 2025 national budget, particularly aimed at addressing the economic struggles faced by low and middle-income earners, alluding to a possible modification of the tax brackets in response to inflation.
The proposed amendments, championed by Senator Dopoh, represent a culmination of collaborative efforts that commenced during former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration. Senator Dopoh, a strong advocate for tax collection reforms, introduced several key legislative items including the Personal Income Tax, the Export Proceeds Repatriation Act, the Tax Administration Transfer Act, the Demurrage Income Tax Act, the National Rent Control Act, and the National Civil Education Commission Act. These amendments are designed not only to enhance revenue collection but also to bring tangible relief and benefits to the broader population. Education and input from stakeholders in the dialogue were solicited to enrich the proposed changes.
Montserrado County Superintendent Whory Bryant expressed her gratitude toward IWL and the senators, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by local communities due to inadequate resources and funding from the national government. She articulated the need for legislative amendments to empower localities and diminish the struggles of grassroots communities that grapple with a lack of services and developmental aid. Superintendent Bryant’s remarks underscored the expectation that implementing these changes would address critical resource shortages and enhance local governance.
The dialogue successfully brought together a wide array of participants, including officials from various government ministries, agencies, and civil society organizations, signaling a broad recognition of the need for cooperative efforts in policymaking. The forum facilitated the exchange of knowledge and perspectives that are crucial for crafting effective legislative measures. Engaging stakeholders across different sectors is fundamental to developing policies that not only target financial issues but also respond to the socio-economic realities faced by the people of Liberia.
In summary, the collaboration between Integrity Watch Liberia and the Liberian Senate marks a significant stride towards improving national financial governance and accountability. The initiatives discussed proffer a framework for mobilizing domestic revenue and curbing illicit financial activities, while also laying the groundwork for sustained development efforts. The collective vision expressed by various senators and community leaders reflects a commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of citizens through informed legislative action, indicating a hopeful trajectory for Liberia’s governance and fiscal responsibility in upcoming years.
