The House of Representatives has mandated its joint committees on Ways, Means and Finance and Public Accounts and Expenditure to review proposals for greater scrutiny of government compensation and public spending.
The decision followed deliberations on separate communications from Representatives Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County Electoral District #7, and Sumo Kollie Mulbah of Montserrado County Electoral District #3, during the House’s sitting on Tuesday, October 27.
Both legislators called for measures to strengthen fiscal accountability, review government benefits, and identify potential savings ahead of consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 national budget.
Rep. Bility proposed establishing a special legislative committee to examine government salaries, allowances, administrative expenditures, state-owned enterprise benefits, duty-free privileges, and concessionary tax exemptions.
He also recommended directing verified savings toward essential public services, and community development, including a proposed annual allocation of US$1 million for each of the 73 electoral districts; subject to revenue availability.
For Rep. Mulbah, he separately requested a comprehensive report from the Minister of Finance detailing monthly salaries, and benefits exceeding US$5,000 for ministers, directors, governors, and commissioners.
His proposal calls for disclosure of basic salaries, housing allowances, fuel and other logistical benefits, additional medical provisions, and the legal instruments governing such payments.
The joint committees have been given two weeks to report to Plenary due to the urgency of the matter.
In a related House’s development, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have referred a proposed bill seeking to establish a vocational and technical training center in Salayea City, Lofa County to three committees for review and recommendations.
The decision was taken Tuesday, October 27, during the fifth day’s sitting of the third quarter of the third session of the 55th Legislature.
The proposed legislation, submitted by Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo of Lofa County District Electoral #5, seeks to establish the Salayea Vocational and Technical Training Center to expand access to practical skills training for young people.
Chiewolo said, proposed institution upon passage would serve residents of Salayea and Zorzor districts, alongside surrounding communities, through vocational training, and job-readiness programs.
The center, if established, will operate on the existing premises of the Lutheran Training Institute, and fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Chiewolo said, the proposed training programs include agriculture, construction, electricity, tailoring, mechanics, and other relevant trades to strengthen practical skills and employment readiness.
He also said, the proposal responds to calls from citizens for greater investment in skills development at the district level.
Following its reading, Plenary forwarded the proposed Act to the committees on Education, Judiciary, and Ways, Means and Finance, with the mandate to report within two weeks.
