12/01/2026
๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ป ๐ข๐๐๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ ๐๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, on Monday, delivered his official statement as the Legislature formally resumed work for the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, marking the occasion with a historic sitting at the Providence Baptist Church.
Welcoming fellow lawmakers, Speaker Koon expressed gratitude for the collaboration during the previous session and extended appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in his leadership following the recent transition in House leadership. He reaffirmed his commitment to lead with humility, integrity, and a servantโs posture, guided by the collective will of the House and the best interests of the Liberian people.
Describing the choice of Providence Baptist Church as symbolic, the Speaker noted that the historic venue serves as a reminder of Liberiaโs democratic foundations, where early lawmakers pledged allegiance to the Constitution. He urged colleagues to recommit themselves to constitutionalism, discipline, and purpose as guiding principles for the new session.
Reflecting on the last session, Speaker Koon highlighted several reforms and achievements, including the restructuring of the Houseโs central administrative staff in collaboration with the Civil Service Agency.
He acknowledged the challenges associated with the process but emphasized that it was necessary to build a professional workforce and establish a centralized and transparent payroll system. He commended the Committee on Rules, Order and Administration for its leadership in advancing the reform.
The Speaker also noted efforts to restore unity and cordiality among lawmakers following a difficult period in the Legislature, as well as initiatives to strengthen transparency and accountability. These included requesting the General Auditing Commission to conduct an audit of the House and supporting the establishment of an Internal Audit Department through the Committee on Public Accounts.
Providing updates on infrastructure and security, Speaker Koon disclosed that the renovation of the main chamber of the House is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for use by the end of the first quarter. He added that modern security systems, including CCTV surveillance and biometric access, have been installed to protect the institution.
On staff welfare, the Speaker cited the procurement of buses to address transportation challenges and improve productivity, the strengthening of key operational departments, and ongoing engagements with House staff to address concerns related to salaries and welfare.
He further outlined steps taken to empower the Legislative Budget Office, improve legislative discipline through timely sittings, enhance relations with the Executive Branch, and clear a backlog of long-pending bills.
Looking ahead, Speaker Koon identified several priority legislative items for the Third Session, including the passage of a New Elections Law, deliberations on electoral redistricting, and plans to establish a Diaspora Legislative Caucus aimed at advancing voting rights for Liberians abroad.
On international engagement, the Speaker announced that Liberia will host the Fourth Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) later this year, reaffirming the countryโs growing role in continental legislative diplomacy. He also confirmed progress toward the full establishment of the Mano River Union Parliamentary Body, with Liberiaโs enabling legislation awaiting presidential assent.
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Koon expressed optimism for the Third Session, calling on members to remain united, uphold the Constitution, and remain committed to accountability and national service.
Kindly follow IMAGE TV
