# Liberia's Growth Failing Citizens

> Liberian senator warns economic growth isn't reaching rural communities.
- Title: Liberia's Growth Failing Citizens · Allafrica | Shortify
- Summary: Liberian senator warns economic growth isn't reaching rural communities. Liberian senator Amara M. Konneh says Liberia's economic growth is bypassing…
- Keywords: liberia, amara m konneh, liberian senate, economic growth, public investment, petroleum levies, gbarpolu county, nguowolala district, gbarma district, lprc, lra, news
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610210302.html
- Published: 2026-10-21T10:33:26+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: liberia, amara m konneh, liberian senate, economic growth, public investment, petroleum levies, gbarpolu county, nguowolala district, gbarma district, lprc, lra, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Liberian senator Amara M. Konneh says Liberia's economic growth is bypassing citizens despite improving GDP figures.