The Liberian Legislature Joint Committee on Ways, Means and Finance has commenced public hearings on the 2024 draft National Budget after a week-long secret session to fix revenue. The hearings, taking place in the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building, begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 17.
Chaired by Montserrado County Representative Dixon Seboe, the joint committee aims to scrutinize the budgetary allotments of various ministries, corporations, and agencies of the government. Bong County and ruling Unity Party Senator Prince Moye serves as the co-chair.
According to House Press and Public Affairs Director Robert Haynes, the expenditure hearings follow a series of closed-door sessions to discuss the revenue component. The Legislative Budget Office has released the schedule for the expenditure component of the Fiscal Year 2024 Draft National Budget, amounting to $692 million.
On the first day of hearings, the Ministry of Finance Development Planning (MFDP) defends its budget from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. This will be followed by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, the Ministry of Public Works from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, and a lunch break.
The remaining entities, including Health, John F. Kennedy (JFK), National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), and the Jackson F. Doe Hospital, appeared in the afternoon. The hearings will continue over the next few days, with each entity having a designated time slot to present their budget.
The Education Ministry, University of Liberia, William V.S Tubman University, West African Examination Council (WAEC), and other relevant agencies are among those anticipated to defend their respective budgets.
The public hearings aim to promote transparency and accountability in the budgetary process, allowing stakeholders to voice their concerns and opinions. They provide lawmakers with the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of funds to ensure the effective functioning of government agencies and the overall development of the country.
