Senator Amara Konneh has voiced strong concerns over drastic budgetary reductions in Liberia’s education and health sectors, calling for accountability from key government ministries. In his quarterly report to constituents, Konneh urged the Ministers of Finance and Health to explain the significant cuts and delays in disbursements to health facilities nationwide.
While acknowledging modest improvements in healthcare delivery, Konneh emphasized that the government must do more to meet the growing needs of Liberians.
Emirates Hospital: A Case Study in Budget Shortfalls
On February 1, 2025, Senator Konneh submitted a letter to the Plenary detailing critical challenges at Emirates Hospital and other facilities across the country. These included: Lack of electricity, Non-functional medical equipment, and Patients sleeping outdoors due to overcrowding
His letter prompted a public hearing before the full Plenary. Despite an FY2024 budget allocation of US$350,000, only US$37,000—just 10.6%—was disbursed to Emirates Hospital. The FY2025 allocation was further reduced to US$150,000, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to healthcare.
In January 2025, Konneh personally delivered medical equipment, supplies, generic medicines, and educational materials valued at approximately US$1 million to support Gbarpolu’s County Health and Education Teams. The Liberia Medicines and Medical Equipment Regulatory Commission certified the delivery, reinforcing Konneh’s commitment to improving local services.
His office also distributed textbooks, benches, and chairs to schools across Gbarma District, including:
Gbarma Central High School, Vaye Tien High School, Zuo School, Yarngayah Elementary & Junior High School, Takpoima School and among others.
In addition, clothing was provided to students, and ice was distributed to support school feeding programs.
Konneh, who previously served as Finance Minister under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, reported the rehabilitation of key roads in District #3, reconnecting communities to the vital Tubmanburg–Gbarma–Weasua economic corridor. Roads restored include: Yangayah Road, Nyaboi Road, Yangayah Junction to Weasua Road. This marks the first major road restoration in nearly a decade—a promise Konneh says he has fulfilled.
He also collaborated with fellow lawmakers to pressure the Ministry of Public Works to rehabilitate the Bamboo Town Bridge, which connects Brewerville to the Bopolu corridor. While the bridge remains under construction, Konneh described it as a critical access point for trade and mobility.
Clean Water and Environmental Protection
Addressing environmental concerns, Konneh highlighted efforts to provide clean water to communities affected by mining-related river pollution. His team rehabilitated four hand pumps along the Jinja River, ensuring access to safe drinking water.
“We also worked with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to halt mining activities that were contaminating the Jinja River—the primary water source for several communities,” Konneh.
