By Agnes M. Tarr
The Plenary of the Honorable House of Representatives – HOR, has unanimously voted to return the draft National Budget to the executive on February 15, 2024. The draft budget was submitted to the august body by the George Weah administration.
The House’s decision which was taken on Thursday, January 25, 2024, came as a result of a communication proffered by Margibi County District #3 Representative, Ellen Attoh-Wreh.
In her communication, Rep. Attoh-Wreh explained that based on observation, the budget needs to be aligned with the agenda of the current government, and as such it needed to be sent back to the Executive for proper adjustment.
“Mr. Speaker and honorable members of the House, I would like to appeal to this body that the 2024 Budget be sent to the Executive for proper adjustment and realignment for the forward march of our country,” the Margibi lawmaker noted.
It can be recalled that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), headed by Mr. Samuel Tweah, submitted in December 2023 to the 54th Legislature, the draft National budget in the tune of US$625.57 million for fiscal year 2024. With the return of the 2024 budget, the Joseph Boakai administration now has the chance to calve its own budget to align with the government programs aspirations.