MONROVIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister Bioma Kamara appeared before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, and issued an apology for his repeated absences. This apology led to the House dropping all contempt charges against him.
Minister Kamara explained that his non-appearance was due to health issues requiring treatment in Ghana and the scheduling of an IMF delegation visit. He expressed deep regret for any perceived disrespect, emphasizing his respect for the rule of law and the House of Representatives. “I stand here in deep regret. In no way would I, of all people, disrespect the Honorable House of Representatives, and I apologize for my actions and my non-appearance,” Kamara stated.
The House of Representatives had initially charged Kamara with contempt for failing to appear on three separate occasions despite citations. The decision to drop the charges came after Kamara’s explanation and apology were accepted.
The House’s decision on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to hold Kamara in contempt followed his excuse that he was unable to appear due to the IMF’s presence in the country. His failure to appear led to a citation under contempt to explain why he should not be held in contempt.
The House invoked its Contempt Power, as outlined in rule four, defining contempt as any action obstructing legislative functions or hindering the duties of its members and officers. Punishment for contempt can include a fine of up to $4,999 or imprisonment for up to one month, or for the duration of the current House session.
Minister Kamara, along with officials from the Liberia Revenue Authority, Internal Affairs, and Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, had been invited to provide financial updates on consolidated accounts, bank balances, and validate reports from the Liberia Revenue Authority on revenue collection. While other officials complied, the Ministry of Finance’s refusal to appear led to contempt charges and a subsequent request for another appearance on Thursday, June 27, 2024, with legal counsel.
Kamara’s absence and the repeated deferments, including his engagement with the high-level IMF delegation, were initially viewed as contemptuous by the House. However, his apology and explanation about his health and commitments led to the resolution of the matter.
Kamara had become the first cabinet minister to face such charges under the 55th Legislature since its inception in mid-January.
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