MONROVIA – Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon, serving as Speaker of the Majority Bloc, has called on members of the House of Representatives to prioritize unity, transparency, and meaningful reforms as the 55th Legislature officially opened its 2nd session on Monday, January 13, 2025.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Speaking at the reconvening ceremony of the 55th Legislature for the second session at the Monrovia City Hall, Koon emphasized the critical need for lawmakers to rise above challenges and deliver on the mandate of serving the Liberian people.
Addressing a packed audience, including Deputy Speaker, members of both Majority and Rule of Law Caucus, Koon expressed gratitude for…
[1:05 PM, 1/13/2025] Gerald C. Koinyeneh: Liberia: Rep. Koon Calls for Unity, Transparency, and Reforms at Opening of 2nd Session of 55th Legislature
MONROVIA – Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon, serving as Speaker of the Majority Bloc, has called on members of the House of Representatives to prioritize unity, transparency, and meaningful reforms as the 55th Legislature officially opened its 2nd session on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Speaking at the reconvening ceremony of the 55th Legislature for the second session at the Monrovia City Hall, Koon emphasized the critical need for lawmakers to rise above challenges and deliver on the mandate of serving the Liberian people.
Addressing a packed audience, including Deputy Speaker, members of both Majority and Rule of Law Caucus, Koon expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the interests of Liberia. He urged his colleagues to take this session as an opportunity to reset and focus on delivering impactful governance.
A Call for Unity Amid Challenges
Reflecting on recent difficulties, including a leadership impasse within the House and the fire that damaged the Joint Chambers, Koon highlighted the importance of unity in overcoming obstacles.
“These challenges are a clear indication that the responsibility to promote peace, advance unity, and restore trust cannot be overemphasized,” he said. “Let this session mark a turning point, where we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and equitable development for all Liberians.”
Rep. Koon was elected Speaker by members of the Majority Bloc in November last year at the height of the House leadership impasse. Members were t the Minority Bloc condemned the action and said his election was illegal.
However, the majority bloc, emboldened by their numbers and support from the executive and the Liberian Senate has been running the affairs of the House.
In his speech, Re, Koon encouraged open dialogue and cooperation among members, emphasizing that the strength of the Legislature lies in its ability to reconcile differences and work together to meet the expectations of the Liberian people.
Budget Priorities for 2025
Koon applauded the passage of the 2025 national budget, totaling $880.6 million, describing it as a significant milestone. He outlined the budget’s focus on key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and water and sanitation.
“It is our duty to ensure that these resources are not only distributed equitably but also utilized effectively to provide meaningful and lasting benefits to the people,” he stressed.
Strengthening Regional and International Ties
Highlighting the importance of Liberia’s engagement with regional and global partners, Koon spoke of strengthening ties with ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and other international parliamentary networks. He noted recent bilateral discussions with Ghana’s parliament, which he said would lead to an experience-sharing program between the two countries.
“Expanding our engagement with global parliamentary networks will reinforce Liberia’s presence in critical global discussions, enhancing our influence on issues that matter most to the globe,” he added.
Rebuilding Public Trust
Acknowledging the erosion of public trust in the Legislature, Koon called for reforms to rebuild confidence. He proposed measures such as the introduction of digital voting machines, the launch of a comprehensive legislative website, and renaming committees to reflect broader mandates.
“Improving financial and system audits will further underscore our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need to invest in the professional development of lawmakers and their staff. To that end, he proposed conducting a comprehensive needs assessment
