—— As Joint Public Accounts & Expenditure Committee Opens Public Hearing in GAC Audit Reports
IPNEWS: The 55th Legislature Joint Public Accounts Audit & Expenditure Committee has officially launched public hearings into the Auditor General’s Reports.
The hearings, which is in adherence to Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia and Section 4.2(g) of the General Auditing Commission Act of 2015, will begin on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in the William R. Tolbert joint chambers.
The launch ceremony was graced by the House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence, both of whom reiterated their unwavering support for the committee’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations.
The President Pro Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence reassured the public of her unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency and openness in the daily operations of the Liberian Senate. She highlighted this commitment while participating in the Legislative Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ceremony.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence pledged her continued support for transparency, emphasizing the importance of providing the necessary resources for the Legislative Public Accounts Committee to function effectively. She stated that the PAC’s procedures align perfectly with her vision for a more transparent Senate, a vision that can only be realized through the rigorous implementation of audit report recommendations. This, she asserted, is a crucial demonstration of true transparency.
She further encouraged the committee to remain steadfast in their commitment, underscoring that such dedication sets the stage for a credible and accountable government.
Key stakeholders including the General Auditing Commission Auditor General, civil society organizations, integrity institutions, and international partners such as GIZ, USAID, EU, and the World Bank were also present at the launch, underscoring their commitment to this critical national endeavor.
In his opening address, the Joint Public Accounts Committee Chairman Rep. Clarence Gahr emphasized the committee’s dedication to ensuring value for public spending amid fiscal challenges.
He highlighted the committee’s ambitious agenda for 2024, which includes publishing between five to ten consolidated reports and instituting timely reviews of the Auditor General reports within ninety days of receipt.
Chairman Gahr also called upon the executive branch, through the office of H.E President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr, to grant full financial independence to anti-graft institutions. This, he stressed, is essential for their effective functioning without undue influence or delay.
The hearings, starting this Wednesday, will initially focus on entities such as the Public Works Ministry, Monrovia City Corporation, and the LOIC, among others.
The committee urges all current and former public officials to cooperate fully, emphasizing the impartial and professional nature of the proceedings.
“We are committed to conducting these hearings with utmost professionalism, independence, and patriotism,” stated Chairman Gahr. “Our goal is to ensure that opinions expressed in these reports are free from partisanship and bias, serving the best interests of Liberia.”
The joint PAC Chair expressed gratitude to the legislative leadership, and all partners for their steadfast support in the fight against corruption, pledging to uphold the highest standards of accountability in service to the nation.
The Committee is scheduled to commence public hearings into over 200 audit reports from the General Auditing Commission for the past three years on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
