IPNEWS: In a groundbreaking event for the Liberian community in Philadelphia, Honorable Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has made history as the first elected high-ranking government official to host a town hall meeting with locals since the formation of community organizations in the 1970s. This milestone reflects the strong engagement of Liberians in the U.S. and their desire for meaningful dialogue with their elected officials.
The town hall, regarded as one of the most dynamic gatherings of Liberians in the United States, saw local leaders commend the Speaker for his courage and political maturity in accepting their invitation. The audience at the event a vibrant and politically active group engaged in an intense two-hour debate with Speaker Koffa on a range of pressing issues affecting Liberia.
During the session, the Speaker provided an update on the workings of the Liberian legislature while addressing prevalent misconceptions and negative perceptions about legislative processes in Liberia. Key topics included the contentious “yellow machines” issue, benefits afforded to lawmakers, the audit of the Civil Service Agency, national development strategies, and pressing matters such as the dual citizenship bill and the participation of the Liberian diaspora in upcoming elections. Audience members voiced concerns about the quality of road construction in Liberia and advocated for greater involvement of skilled Liberians living abroad in the nation’s development efforts.
In response to these inquiries, Speaker Koffa emphasized the legislature’s commitment to collaborating with the executive branch to achieve the country’s development objectives. He reassured community members that this partnership will be guided by principles of accountability and oversight. Addressing the issue of dual citizenship and voting rights for diaspora Liberians, he encouraged attendees to devise actionable recommendations to facilitate these changes.
Clarifying the context around the controversial $45,000 vehicles allocated to lawmakers, Speaker Koffa explained that this figure represents the cumulative transportation costs of $50 per day over three years, rather than a direct monetary benefit.
When questioned about his political future and potential candidacy for the presidency in 2029, Speaker Koffa reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress for Democratic Change by the extension the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and expressed support for President George Weah as his political leader.
This significant engagement reflects a growing bridge between Liberian officials and the diaspora community, signaling a commitment to inclusivity and dialogue in Liberia’s developmental discourse.
