The Pendulum Swings Right Again for Civil Service Salaries
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Source:Daily Observer
November 20, 2024 17:07 UTC
Liberia: Amid Budget Submission Controversy, Finance Minister Ngafuan Projects 5.8% Economic Growth as Budget Increases by 15.3%
While heralded as a step toward addressing public sector remuneration challenges, the initiative has reignited debates over wage reforms, policy continuity, and credit attribution between successive administrations. “Nurses, midwives, and physician assistants will receive US$50 monthly salary increases, while other health workers will see increases ranging from US$25 to US$40, based on their roles,” he said. “A $3 million allocation in the draft budget will ensure these educators are paid according to their qualifications,” Minister Ngafuan noted. “This measure is part of the government’s broader strategy to address pay disparities in the health sector,” Ngafuan said. The Legacy of HarmonizationTweah stated that the CDC government’s “harmonization” policy, implemented to address inconsistencies in the public sector wage structure, remains a contentious topic.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 20, 2024 14:53 UTC
Liberia: Pro-Koffa Group Condemns Majority Bloc’s ‘Illegal’ Restructuring of House Leadership
In a motion, members voted to remove Seboe and Attoh-Wreh due to their frequent absences. The House is now proceeding on a dangerous slippery slope, bouyed by the artless acquiescence by the Executive. The House LeadershipHowever, several provisions of House of Representatives’ Standing Rules are in the limelight, with each side interpreting in a way that supports their argument. Pro-Koffa bloc: ‘Illegal’ Restructuring of House Leadership’The pro-Koffa bloc, led by embattled House Speaker, has slammed the reconstitution of the Ways, Means and Finance committee, saying it’s a violation of rules 54.1 and 54.2. The House is now proceeding on a dangerous slippery slope, buoyed by the artless acquiescence by the Executive.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 20, 2024 14:20 UTC
No Gov’t Worker Will Be Paid Below US$150
The FY2025 budget also prioritizes salary enhancements for key sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement and the military. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., officially submitted the $851.8 million FY2025 Draft National Budget to the National Legislature for review, which represents a 15.3% increase from the $738.9 million 2024 Recast Budget. Breaking down the budget’s revenue sources, Minister Ngafuan disclosed that theCore Revenue: $833 million (97.8%) of total revenue Contingent Revenue of $18.8 million representing 2.2% of total revenue. “The 2025 draft budget represents a forward-looking plan that balances fiscal responsibility with the need to improve public service delivery,” Minister Ngafuan remarked. As discussions continue, many Liberians are optimistic that the proposed measures will bring tangible improvements to their communities and lives, marking a significant step toward inclusive development, the Finance Minister asserted.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 20, 2024 12:58 UTC
Medica Liberia Launches Second Phase of SRGBV Projectin Southeast to Empower Schools and Communities
Medica Liberia has launched the second phase of its project aimed at reducing school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in southeastern Liberia. During the launch, Madam Mbalu Jusu, Head of Programs at Medica Liberia, highlighted the achievements of the first phase and detailed the expanded reach of the second phase. To reinforce these efforts, Medica Liberia has established Anti-Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) committees and formed boys’ and girls’ clubs in participating schools. A key aspect of the second phase is advocacy and policy dialogue, with Medica Liberia working closely with both local and national stakeholders to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the national PSEA guidelines in schools. The Medica Liberia Country Director further stressed that these guidelines are essential for creating a safe educational environment for all students.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 20, 2024 11:08 UTC
Liberia: Majority Bloc Reconstitutes Ways, Means & Finance Committee, Suspends Three Lawmakers
The Majority Bloc has also received the draft national budget. Suspension of Three LawmakersThe Majority Bloc has also suspended three lawmakers for 30 meeting days. They include Rep. Marvin Cole (CDC, District #3, Bong County), Rep. Edward P. Flomo (CDC, District #13, Montserrado County), Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (CDC, District #15, Montserrado County). However, the Majority Bloc voted to extend the investigation of three lawmakers—Rep. However, FrontPage Africa gathered that these lawmakers are seeking to align with the Majority Bloc and have requested pardon.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 20, 2024 00:21 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Zinnah Norman Joins Majority Bloc
Representative Zinnah Norman (District #1, Gbarpolu County) has joined Montserrado County Representative Bernard Benson, popularly known as DJ Blue, in defecting to the Majority Bloc within the House of Representatives. By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]Rep. Norman, who had previously supported Speaker Fonati Koffa and called for members of the Majority Bloc to accord the Speaker due process, announced his decision during a session in the joint chamber. “I made this decision in the interest of the Liberian people and to ensure the Speaker is given due process,” he said. “The Majority Bloc had 43 members, but with my colleague Rep. Benson and me joining, the number has increased to 45.”Earlier, Rep. Benson made a dramatic entrance to the joint chambers, waving the Liberian flag to a standing ovation and declaring that his move was “for the sake of Liberia.”The crossovers of Reps. Norman and Benson mark a significant boost for the Majority Bloc as it works toward securing the two-thirds majority needed to unseat Speaker Koffa.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 19, 2024 22:40 UTC
IMF Lauds LRA Record-BreakingRevenue Collection Performance
Monrovia, November 12, 2024 – The visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation hascommended Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah for animpressive revenue collection performance, pledging the Fund’s support to further enhance thissuccess. Mr. Kim highlighted the resilience and commitment demonstrated by Commissioner General Jallah and his team at the LRA despite numerous challenges, acknowledging their critical role in Liberia’s development. He said it was encouraging to see Commissioner General Jallah’s leadership and the LRA’s hard work yielding such remarkable progress. The Commissioner General also highlighted the potential for growth in emerging sectors, such as thetourism industry and digital economy, which could be harnessed to expand Liberia’s tax base. Other members of the IMF delegation included Joel Chiedu Okwuokei, IMF Resident Representative;Giuseppe Cipollone, Senior Economist; and economists Thabang Molise and Sotima JocelynKoussere.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 19, 2024 22:10 UTC
No pressure from the so-called majority bloc will make me resign…SPEAKER J. Fonati Koffa reaffirms his stance with the law
In a rather tough mood, House SPEAKER Cllr. Fonati Koffa has reiterated that he remains on the path of the law despite a group of Representatives styled Majority bloc calls for his removal. No pressure from the so-called majority bloc will make me resign, SPEAKER Koffa sounded “. His statement was greeted by cheering from scores of staffers what seems to be a relief for many who had vehemently rejected any move for the House SPEAKER to resign his post. SPEAKER Koffa statement came after there were speculations he was at the verged of resigning his post as Presiding Officer of the Lower House.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 19, 2024 17:10 UTC
Boakai Submits US$851.8M Draft Budget to Legislature
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Source:Daily Observer
November 19, 2024 16:56 UTC
“I Don’t Know How This Will End…”
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Source:Daily Observer
November 19, 2024 16:56 UTC
Liberia: Assistant Minister Suspended After Criticizing Controversial Scholarship Scheme
President Joseph Boakai has suspended Matthew Nyanplu from his position as Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism. By Selma Lomax, [email protected]President Boakai’s decision was in response to Mr. Nyanplu’s condemnation of the Nekotech’s alledged scam of 250 scholarship saga. According to the Executive Mansion, Nyanplu will serve the suspension without pay and will be subjected to an investigation to determine the need for further action. The suspension of Mr. Nyanplu arises squarely out of his brazen disregard of established channels, not the merits or demerits of the issues he highlighted, according to the Executive Mansion. President Boakai, meanwhile, cautioned officials of government to always strive to scrupulously uphold standing precepts governing internal operational procedures and general policy direction of their institutions.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 17, 2024 07:59 UTC
Liberia: ECOWAS Mediation Mission Fails to Resolve Liberia’s Legislative Stalemate, Urges Continued Engagement
Liberia, known for its historic democratic resilience, now faces significant disruption to its legislative and governmental functions. The ECOWAS delegation emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional and procedural frameworks and urged all parties to prioritize the interests of the Liberian people. Efforts and ChallengesWhile the ECOWAS delegation successfully brought the feuding factions to the negotiating table, the parties could not agree on a resolution within the timeframe of the mission. ECOWAS Position and AppealThe ECOWAS Parliament remains engaged in the matter and continues to encourage adherence to due process and the rule of law. As the mediation mission ends without a resolution, the ECOWAS delegation reaffirmed its solidarity with the Liberian people and urged patience and calm.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 16, 2024 21:29 UTC
Liberia: Speaker Koffa Embraces ECOWAS Mediation Team’s Six-Point Resolution
Monrovia – Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, has welcomed the six-point proposal crafted by the ECOWAS mediation team to resolve the ongoing stalemate in the Liberian Legislature. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Speaker Koffa expressed his commitment to the resolution, emphasizing its importance for restoring order and unity in the House. Speaker Supports ECOWAS PlanThe Speaker stated that the leadership of the House of Representatives, acting in good faith, has made substantial concessions to ensure a swift resolution to the crisis. However, addressing claims of legitimacy by the Majority Bloc, Speaker Koffa clarified that the Supreme Court has not granted constitutional recognition to their actions. He urged the Majority Bloc to return to the ECOWAS proposal, which he described as the best way forward.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 16, 2024 20:14 UTC