Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Local county authorities, especially superintendents and members of the county council, faced serious criticisms from members of the Liberian Senate for allegedly excluding them and neglecting to submit reports on the use of county and social development funds.
Nine members make up the County Council, which was created by the Local Government Act of 2018 and includes representatives from civil society, traditional leaders, women’s organizations, youth groups, and people with disabilities. At the county level, it is the highest legislative and policy-making body.
All 15 Superintendents and members of the County Council, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, appeared before the Liberian Senate Plenary on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, for a public hearing that lasted more than three hours. Senator Simeon Taylor of Grand Cape Mount County submitted a formal complaint, which prompted the hearing.
Senator Taylor said at the hearing that the Superintendent had neglected to present the members of the Grand Cape Mount County Council to legislators since the council’s formation. He added that, in violation of Section 2.9 of the Local Government Act, the Superintendent and a few Council members had been giving themselves stipends without getting approval from the legislature.
The National Legislature must first establish an amount, which may be changed every four years, before County Council members can earn a salary from the county budget, according to Section 2.9 of the Act.
He questioned the validity of certain civil society members on the Council and expressed further worries about the lack of openness in the Council’s budget drafting process.
Grand Cape Mount Senator Dabah Varpilah expressed similar problems, pointing to inadequate communication and cooperation between lawmakers and County Councils.
Senator Gbotoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County attacked local authorities, accusing them of having political aspirations and exploiting public monies to position themselves for Senate campaigns.
Many development projects around the country have been abandoned as a result of lawmakers’ alleged interference with County Councils and, in the past, Project Management Committees (PMCs). They have also been accused of giving development contracts to businesses they privately own or control.
Francis Nyumalin, the minister of internal affairs, expressed regret for any wrongdoing by local authorities but revealed that the Senate has not filed any official charges against him. He added that he received a voicemail from Senator Taylor expressing dissatisfaction over the Grand Cape Mount County Council Chair, who has subsequently resigned.
Nyumalin explained that, despite reminders, the Legislature has not yet established a budget cap, which is a necessary requirement for every member of the County Council to be eligible for salary. Additionally, he criticized the National Legislature for not allocating the Ministry’s requested operating budget, pointing out that a line item worth $2.5 million was completely eliminated. Nyumalin however, promise lawmakers that no Superintendent under his supervision would treat the Legislature disrespectfully and promised prompt disciplinary action when needed.
