President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has requested the Liberian Senate to grant an eight-day extension for the presentation of the draft national budget for the fiscal year 2025, originally due on October 31, 2024. During a recent plenary session, the Senate mandated its Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget Committees to evaluate the President’s communication regarding this request. The extension would push the budget submission deadline to November 8, 2024. In his appeal, President Boakai emphasized the need for a more comprehensive draft that adequately reflects potential revenue sources and public priorities, in line with the 2019 Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management Act.
The President’s reasoning for this extension includes the importance of proper collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Liberia Revenue Authority, alongside other stakeholders. This collaboration aims to finalize the technical and economic assumptions necessary for forecasting revenues effectively. Furthermore, Boakai addressed the need for discussions about budget ceilings and expenditure priorities, ensuring that they align with the government’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive development. With this extension, the government hopes to create a budget that meets the diverse needs of the population and facilitates effective planning for the fiscal year.
In a separate matter, the Senate’s plenary has also called upon the Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA), Mr. Galapkah Kortima, to provide clarification on a new policy regarding the procurement of vehicles for government officials. This policy, disclosed by Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh County, outlines the allocation of funds for purchasing vehicles at costs of US$65,000 for Ministers and US$50,000 for Deputy Ministers, intended for a usage period of three years. Senator Nimely expressed concerns over this policy, noting that it contradicts the existing budget law, which stipulates a vehicle purchase ceiling of US$45,000.
The Senator’s communication to the Senate prompted a larger discussion regarding government expenditures and adherence to established budgets. The lawmakers have urged Mr. Kortima to provide a thorough explanation of when and by whom this new policy was adopted, as well as to present statistics on the number of vehicles purchased under these new pricing guidelines. These inquiries highlight the Senate’s role in overseeing government spending and ensuring transparency in fiscal matters.
The debate surrounding both the budget extension and the GSA vehicle procurement policy showcases the Liberian Senate’s active engagement in fiscal governance and oversight. By seeking thorough investigations and clarifications on spending practices, the Senate demonstrates its commitment to maintaining accountability within the administration. The expected testimony from the GSA Director General reflects the legislature’s oversight function, ensuring that government policies align with existing laws and the public’s interest.
Overall, President Boakai’s request for an extension and the Senate’s subsequent actions underscore the importance of careful and thorough budgeting processes in Liberia’s governance. Both processes aim to enhance financial management and ensure that government resources are utilized effectively to meet citizens’ needs. As the budget cycle unfolds, it will be crucial for both the Executive and Legislative branches to work collaboratively to build a transparent and inclusive budget that promotes sustainable development in Liberia.
