Monrovia — In an effort to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of international aid, Senator Saah Joseph of Montserrado County has called for a full audit of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding provided to Liberia.
By Obediah Johnson
As a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Joseph is pressing the government to initiate a thorough review of how USAID’s financial assistance has been allocated and used by various Liberian ministries and agencies.
In a communication to the Senate Plenary on Thursday, February 20, Joseph formally requested that the General Auditing Commission (GAC) carry out the audit, covering the period from 2018 to 2025.
The primary goal, Joseph explained, is to determine how USAID funds have been distributed, spent, and whether they have met their intended objectives. He is particularly keen on identifying any gaps in the allocation and ensuring that donor funds are used effectively.
“An audit of this nature will promote transparency and accountability in the use of donor funds,” Joseph stated, noting that the findings could provide the Liberian government with vital insights to address potential funding shortfalls, especially following the temporary suspension of USAID support under the Trump administration.
While acknowledging the significant role that USAID has played in Liberia’s development — contributing to key areas such as governance, infrastructure, education, health, and economic growth —Joseph stressed that the audit would serve to illuminate how much of the financial aid has directly benefitted Liberian citizens. He called for a focus on both the compliance with financial regulations and the overall impact of the funded projects.
Joseph elaborated further, emphasizing that the audit results would offer the Liberian Legislature a clearer understanding of USAID’s financial contribution, thus enabling lawmakers to potentially revisit the 2025 national budget to address any gaps caused by the disruption of funding.
Despite acknowledging USAID’s ongoing support, he pointed out that critical sectors like health, education, and agriculture still face substantial challenges that need to be addressed.
“We need to bridge these gaps,” Joseph remarked in an interview with Legislative reporters. “It’s vital that we know how much of that financial aid is actually contributing to our national budget and reaching our citizens.”
Though Joseph made it clear that his request was not an accusation of financial mismanagement, he emphasized that government agencies directly handling USAID funds should undergo scrutiny. He noted that his objective was not to point fingers but to identify any inconsistencies that might affect Liberia’s long-term financial planning.
“The funds provided by USAID are in good faith. They’ve done a lot for Liberia, and we must appreciate that,” Joseph said. “But as a country, it’s our right to understand how much of that money has been directed toward directly benefiting our people and how we can address the remaining gaps.”
Looking ahead, Joseph urged the government to take a proactive stance on the issue, calling for solidarity among the Liberian people to endure any necessary adjustments to the national budget. “Everybody needs to feel the cuts,” he said, in reference to possible revisions in response to the funding changes.
Following Joseph’s request, the Senate Plenary has tasked the Committee on Public Accounts and Audit with carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the proposed audit. If approved, this investigation could provide crucial insights into the impact of USAID’s financial support and guide future budgetary decisions for Liberia.
