-Amid House Impasse
By Jerrimie S. Walters
Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, Liberia – The Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has emphasized the importance of the rule of law, unity, and selfless leadership in democratic governance, amid the ongoing impasse at Liberia’s House of Representatives. His remarks came during the Legislative Engagement Retreat 2025, held at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, Liberia, on Friday, March 14.
Speaking to lawmakers from Liberia’s House of Representatives, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that democracy thrives on the principles of dialogue, compromise, and adherence to the rule of law. “Democracy is about agreeing to disagree,” he stated. “It is about the rule of law, which we have collectively agreed to uphold. This framework must guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that we remain on the right path for the benefit of all.”
His comments come against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis in Liberia’s 55th Legislature. The impasse began on October 17, 2024, when a group of lawmakers initiated moves to remove Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa over several allegations. The situation heightened on November 21, 2024, with the controversial election of Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker. Koffa’s supporters have since rejected the outcome, labeling it as fraudulent and illegitimate, further deepening divisions within the legislative body.
The crisis reached a critical juncture in early December 2024 when the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled that the Majority Bloc’s actions during the leadership standoff were “ultra vires” (beyond their legal authority) if they deviated from the intent of Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution. Despite this ruling, both the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate endorsed the Majority Bloc’s actions on December 10, 2024, further entrenching the divide.
Addressing the crisis, Speaker Bagbin urged Liberian lawmakers to prioritize national interest over personal or partisan gains. “Whatever we do will affect everybody, so everyone must have a say,” he said. “What we are doing today should mark a reset for this nation. Democracy is complex and often fraught with contradictions, but it is through these challenges that we must find common ground.”
He called on members of the House of Representatives to embrace servant leadership, emphasizing that their actions should reflect the will and welfare of the people they represent. “Respond to the interest of the people, not your personal interest,” he urged. “Leadership is about selflessness and setting an example for others to follow.”
Speaker Bagbin also noted that parliamentary impasses are not unique to Liberia, citing similar challenges in other democracies. He encouraged both the majority and minority blocs in Liberia’s legislature to prioritize reconciliation, peace, and unity. “Democracy allows the minority to have their say, but it permits the majority to have their way,” he explained. “However, this should not be a winner-takes-all scenario. It is about finding a balance that serves the greater good.”
Concluding his address, Speaker Bagbin urged Liberian lawmakers to embrace positive change guided by unity and peace. “The growth and well-being of any nation depend on leaders who are willing to put the public interest first,” he said. “Let us work together to build a future that benefits all citizens.”
The “Legislative Engagement Retreat 2025”
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives of Liberia, led by the Majority Bloc, announced a Reconciliatory Retreat under the theme of unity, Integrity, and Modernization. Scheduled for March 13-15, 2025, at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, the retreat aims to stimulate unity and collaboration among lawmakers. However, the initiative has been overshadowed by the Majority Bloc’s recent actions, which many argue have deepened divisions rather than healed them.
The engagement, initially branded as the “Reconciliatory Retreat, is intended to reconcile the House after months of leadership turmoil, but appears to have lost its essence. On the same day the retreat was announced, the Majority Bloc voted to suspend Montserrado County District 10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah, for 30 session days without pay or benefits. This decision, coupled with the ongoing suspension of seven other lawmakers—Abu Kamara, Marvin Cole, Frank Saah Foko, Edward Papie Flomo, Eugene Kollie, Alex Noah, and Zinnah Norman—has tossed doubt on the sincerity of the bloc’s reconciliatory efforts.
On February 11, 2025, when the Majority Bloc forcibly evicted Speaker Koffa from his office. Led by Bong County Representative James Kolleh, the eviction involved breaking into the Speaker’s office and removing his personal belongings—a move widely condemned as a theatrical and unnecessary provocation.
The House of Representatives of Liberia, under the leadership of the Majority Bloc, also suspended two lawmakers for what they consider as violating the House’s attendance rules. Representative Jerry K. Yogboh of Electoral District #12, Montserrado County, and Representative Muka K. Kamara of Electoral District #14, Montserrado County, were both suspended for 30 meeting days following their unexcused absences from legislative sessions.
The suspensions were communicated to the lawmakers in separate letters dated March 13, 2025, signed by Mildred N. Sáyoń, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives. The letters cited Rule 21.1 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, which mandates that no member shall stay away from sessions for more than two weeks without the express approval of the House. For absences of less than two weeks, permission must be sought from the Speaker. Violators are subject to penalties deemed appropriate by the House leadership in consultation with Plenary.
