Capitol Hill, Liberia (The Saharaa) – In recent years, Amara Konneh, former Minister of Finance and Development Planning and now senator of Gbarpolu County, has faced mounting criticism for alleged financial mismanagement and lavish expenditures. As a key figure in the Unity Party government under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Konneh has been accused of mismanaging US$13 million in Ebola funds, a scandal that has tarnished his political career.
The allegations resurfaced amidst a public outcry over the dire state of Liberia’s healthcare system. The administrator of John F. Kennedy (JFK) Hospital recently appealed to the public, highlighting severe shortages in medical supplies and drugs. This plea underscored the government’s misallocation of resources, as just this week, Konneh and 29 other senators were found to have spent over US$450,000 on a retreat in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The lavish expenditure, framed as a retreat, has drawn significant backlash given the country’s pressing healthcare needs.
Senator Prince Moye of Bong County, speaking on SPOON FM, revealed that each of the 30 senators received an additional US$10,000 on top of the US$50,000 budgeted for the retreat. This revelation intensified the scrutiny on Konneh and his colleagues, raising questions about their commitment to public service. Inconsistencies in the senators’ accounts have further fueled public distrust. While Senator Darius Dillon of Montserrado County claimed the retreat lasted four days and cost US$50,000, Konneh insisted it was a two-day event. Senate Spokesman Alfred Johnson offered yet another version, stating US$47,000 was spent over four days.
Anonymous sources provided a detailed breakdown of the retreat’s budget: US$25,000 for accommodation, US$75,000 for food and drinks, US$25,000 for facilitators, and a staggering US$125,000 as allowances for the senators among others. These figures highlight the extravagant nature of the retreat, starkly contrasting the dire needs of institutions like JFK Hospital.
This controversy comes at a time when Liberia faces severe economic challenges. The price of rice, the staple food, and other commodities are skyrocketing, placing immense strain on ordinary citizens. The country’s roads and infrastructure remain deplorable, further exacerbating the struggles of daily life for many Liberians.
Konneh and Dillon, who campaigned under the “Rescue Mission” banner for President Joseph Boakai, promised reforms and a break from past corruption. Konneh played a significant role in the 2023 elections that brought Boakai to power. However, their actions suggest otherwise, leading many to believe they aimed to rescue themselves rather than the country. The recent retreat scandal, combined with Konneh’s alleged mismanagement of Ebola funds, paints a troubling picture of Liberia’s political landscape. The public’s frustration grows as leaders who promised change continue to engage in practices that prioritize personal gain over national welfare.
