Liberian Senator Warns

Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh says Liberia's improving economic growth figures aren't translating to better living conditions for citizens.

“The government is right, and the numbers it has announced are true”

Growth Figures

Reported real GDP growth was 4 percent in FY2024, 5.1 percent in FY2025, and 5.5 percent in FY2026.

Inflation Outpaces Growth

Inflation remained higher than growth during each period, continuing to pressure household purchasing power.

Constituency Visits

Konneh visited Nguowolala and Gbarma districts where residents raised concerns about transportation, education, healthcare, and security.

Roads and Transportation

Communities separated from economic corridors by rivers lack adequate roads, leaving farmers dependent on footpaths and makeshift routes.

School Conditions

Schools in Gbarma District have leaking roofs, inadequate facilities, no laboratories or libraries, and shortages of furniture.

Petroleum Levies Discrepancy

Bea Mountain Mining Corporation lifted 16.4 million gallons of automotive gas oil but paid no levies, leaving an alleged liability of US$1.8 million.

LPRC and LRA Discrepancy

The committee reconciled LPRC product-lifting records against LRA collection data for October through December 2025 and January through June 2026.

No Pay No Lift Policy

Konneh proposed a 'No Pay, No Lift' policy requiring LPRC to withhold petroleum products until LRA confirms real-time payment.

Airport Highway Concerns

Auditor General's findings questioned whether construction follows approved design, why costs are increasing, and if disbursements match physical progress.

Transitory Accounts

Public revenues stayed in commercial banks for days before being transferred to the Consolidated Account, raising borrowing costs.

Mining vs Agriculture Growth

Mining grew 16.6 percent (23.4% of GDP) while agriculture grew only 1.3 percent, employing 70% of Liberians.

Fuel Price Increases

Gasoline prices rose from L775 to L985 between October 2024 and September 2026, while diesel rose from L840 to L1,235.

Overcharged Consumers

A Senate investigation found consumers overcharged by L$131 million due to incorrect exchange rates in petroleum pricing.