IPNEWS: Even though he has been Speaker of the House of Representatives for less than six months, yet his achievements remain remarkable.
Public perception of incumbent House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa remains high, especially among the ordinary Liberians, especially his unconditional resolved to seek justice for victims of serious abuses committed during the two civil wars in Liberia.
Among the praises by the ordinary people, is the relentless leadership skills of Speaker Koffa in guarding the House of Representatives under his gavel with an overwhelming vote which has given teeth for the establish the War Cries and Economic Crimes Court, that would seek justice for gross human rights abuses committed during the two conflicts between 1989 and 2003, including massacres, rape, and the use of child soldiers.
Speaker Fonati Koffa leadership in leading the House to an unparalleled decision of openness on Capitol Hill since the inception of the 55th Legislature, including approval for an audit by the General Auditing Committee (GAC) to enhance accountability and transparency making it the first audit of the House since 67 years to ensure compliance with legislative directives and policies, enabling the government’s First Branch to control public funds as mandated by the law, is remarkable.
Other landmark decisions including the rigorous scrutiny and passage of laws critical to national economy recovery and empowerment of the ordinary Liberian by the House of Representatives under Speaker Koffa’s gavel, particularly the declaration of assets by Speaker Fonati Koffa, and several of his colleagues with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC$), without hesitation as prescribed by law.
With those and many more, the continued unfair criticisms of the Liberian Legislature, has not gone unnoticed.
House Speaker of the House of Representative, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has called on critics of lawmakers to judge their performance fairly and honestly by reviewing successful accomplishments of lawmakers, including poor performance of their oversight and representation responsibilities.
Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa addressing the 5th graduation ceremony of Montserrado County District #7 Rep., Emmanuel Dahn Foundation in Monrovia on Sunday, June 9, 2024, Speaker Koffa highlighted the impactful projects being carried out by Representatives across Liberia that are positively impacting the lives of citizens.
He specifically praised the initiatives of Montserrado County District Seven Representative Emmanuel Dahn and Nimba County District Seven Representative Musa Bility.
The House Speaker, who is also Grand Kru County Representative, commended Representative Dahn for his work through the Emmanuel Dahn Foundation and described him as a visionary.
Speaker Koffa also emphasized the importance of providing vocational and technical training to Liberians to help them become productive citizens.
He encouraged graduates of the Emmanuel Dahn Foundation to use their skills and knowledge to make a difference in society and help their families.
For his part, Rep. Emmanuel Dahn, CEO of the Emmanuel Dahn Foundation, urged graduates to apply their learned skills and contribute to society.
The nonprofit organization, established in 2020, aims to assist underprivileged Liberians through impactful projects and operates on a tuition-free basis.
During the graduation ceremony, Representative Dahn expressed his commitment to continue building the human capacity of young people in the district and across Liberia.
He appealed to the government for support and highlighted the limited capacity that led to rejecting other individuals who wanted to enroll at the school.
The Emmanuel Dahn Foundation is said to be offering a variety of disciplines, including computer studies, journalism, catering, beauty care, interior decoration, soap science, electricity, and satellite installation.
The recent graduation ceremony saw over a hundred individuals graduating from the six-month programs provided by the foundation.
