-As he faces contempt charges from House of Representatives
By Jerromie S. Walters
Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister, Boimah Kamara, is currently facing contempt charges from the House of Representatives (HOR) for his repeated refusal to comply with three separate citations from the legislative body.
The HOR has invoked its Contempt Power, as outlined in rule four, which defines contempt as any action that obstructs the legislative function or hinders the duties of its members and officers. The punishment for contempt can include a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to one month, or the duration of the current session of the House. It is important to note that decisions made in contempt cases are not subject to appeal.
Minister Kamara, along with officials from the Liberia Revenue Authority, Internal Affairs, and Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, had been invited to provide financial updates on consolidated accounts, and bank balances, and validate reports from the Liberia Revenue Authority on revenue collection. Despite these invitations, Minister Kamara has repeatedly failed to comply with the requests, leading to the HOR’s decision to cite him under contempt charges.
The HOR says it is taking the matter seriously as it seeks to ensure accountability and transparency in financial matters within the government.
While all other parties have cooperated, the Ministry of Finance’s refusal to appear has been deemed contemptuous by the House, leading to a request for another appearance on Thursday, June 27, 2024, and he is expected to be accompanied by his legal counsel.
LRA Appearance
On June 18, 2024, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General Jallah appeared before the plenary of the House of Representatives (HoR) and noted that out of the total approved budget of US$738,860,000, US$316,449,000, or 43 percent, has been collected.
According to him, this amount outweighs the mid-year target of US$308,612,000. Commissions Jallah stated that the remaining portion to be collected is US$434,368,000. He clarified that the revenue generated so far is from domestic sources.
Moreover, he expressed concern that tax incentives on goods and services are reducing revenue. He urged the Legislature to reconsider its decisions regarding the awarding of tax incentives. Additionally, he noted that while some revenue-generating agencies are remitting their income, others have not.
He identified the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), the National Port Authority (NPA), and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) as agencies that have not remitted their budgeted revenue. He specifically mentioned that the LPRA’s revenue-generating process is not progressive, as it only remits twice a year.
Kamara like Tweah
Minister Boimah Kamara’s refusal to comply with legislative requests appears similar to his predecessor, former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah who did the same on countless occasions. Of all officials of the past government, the ex-Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel D. Tweah was notorious for his repeated disrespect to the House of Representatives of the 54th National Legislature.
Mr. Tweah on multiple occasions deliberately trashed citations extended to him by the House of Representatives of the 54th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. In its last attempt before their (Weah’s administration) exit, the House of Representatives- HOR cited Minister Samuel D. Tweah, to provide a reason why he should not have been held in contempt for repeated unexcused absences before the august body.
“Honorable Speaker, Co-presiding and colleagues. I moved if I could obtain a second that a communication be sent to the Finance Minister, from the office of our Chief Clerk, that he appeared here on Thursday, at 10 AM with his lawyer to show reason why he should not be held in contempt”, ex Montserrado County District #8 Representative Moses Acarous Gray sought a second to his motion. A fellow lawmaker immediately seconded Representative Gray’s motion, setting the stage for the appearance of Finance Minister, Samuel D. Tweh, on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
Before the last decision by the House of Representatives, it previously invited Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel D. Tweah, to appear before the esteemed legislative body on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Minister Tweah was cited to address pressing matters related to budgetary implications. Despite repeated citations, the ex-Finance Minister failed to appear before the August Body.
