Calls for accountability, action, and delivery as Legislature resumes
MONROVIA, Liberia — Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. of Bomi County has challenged his colleagues in the Liberian Senate to transform promises into tangible progress for citizens, highlighting issues ranging from dilapidated schools to national budget implementation and diaspora voting rights.
In a comprehensive statement delivered on the resumption of legislative duties, Snowe called for urgent action on multiple fronts, emphasizing that passing budgets and making commitments must be matched by results that improve Liberians’ lives.
Bomi County: A Call for Accountability
The senator raised serious concerns about the implementation of the Local Government Act, alleging that some local officials are spending county resources without adequate accountability and inflating contract values to facilitate possible kickbacks. He called for an urgent, independent audit to establish the facts.
Snowe also highlighted the prolonged closure of Bomi Junior High School, which has remained shut for more than three years due to roof damage, forcing students to attend classes at C.H. Dewey High School.
“Despite a firm commitment from the Minister of Education to intervene urgently, that commitment remains unfulfilled,” Snowe said. He noted that he had offered to use his legislative project funds to repair the roof, but the Minister requested he withhold the intervention, citing available funding and pending procurement approvals.
The senator called on the Senate to require the Minister to explain the outstanding procurement issues and provide a definite timetable for repairs.
Regarding the Western Region University, now fully operational, Snowe raised concerns about compliance with its Charter, particularly the constitution of its governing Board and recruitment of leadership. He urged the relevant Senate committee to examine these matters.
A Billion-Dollar Budget: A Test of Delivery
Recognizing Liberia’s achievement of reaching the billion-dollar mark in its national budget, Snowe emphasized that this milestone brings greater responsibility.
“We cannot continue to celebrate increased revenues or reported budget surpluses while our communities struggle to see the benefits,” he said. “Our oversight must follow the money from allocation to release, expenditure, and results.”
ECOWAS Obligations and Regional Leadership
The senator drew attention to Liberia’s reported indebtedness to ECOWAS, amounting to US$17.5 million, recommending that relevant committees engage the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs to establish a payment plan.
He noted upcoming opportunities for Liberia to assume leadership roles in the regional bloc, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai potentially chairing the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and Liberia’s allocation of the ECOWAS Commission presidency for 2030–2034.
Continental Health Role and Diaspora Engagement
Snowe announced his appointment to the Continental Immunization Advisory Council of the Africa CDC, where he will serve as one of three parliamentarians from across the continent.
He also called for structured legislative examination of diaspora voting, stating that the continued inability of Liberians abroad to vote in national elections “deserves serious legislative consideration.”
Other Priorities
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to the fight against drugs, calling for strengthened prevention, enforcement, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon, Energy and Environment, he pledged continued oversight of electricity generation, tariff administration, and petroleum-sector governance.
Snowe also acknowledged the contributions of Liberians serving in regional institutions and commended his colleague, Senator Alex Tyler, noting their cordial working relationship despite political differences.
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