Published: May 30, 2025
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, Sr. of Grand Gedeh County Electoral District #1 has formally petitioned the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature to initiate a comprehensive review and amendment of its Rules and Procedures, as well as a reform of its Statutory and Standing Committees.
Rep. Sokan’s written communication, submitted to the House Plenary on Thursday, May 29, 2025, has been forwarded to the House Leadership for further legislative action. His request comes amid growing public scrutiny and internal demands for improved oversight and legislative performance.
In his submission, Rep. Sokan emphasized that the existing framework governing legislative operations is outdated and ill-equipped to meet the demands of contemporary governance. He argued that urgent reforms are necessary to enhance the House’s accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.
“The challenges facing Liberia demand a legislative body that is not only responsive but also highly effective in its oversight functions,” Rep. Sokan wrote. “By taking decisive steps to revise the Rules & Procedures and reform the committee system, the House can significantly strengthen its ability to hold the Executive accountable and ensure the prudent use of public resources.”
Key Areas of Proposed Reform
The proposal outlines two principal areas of reform:
- Revision of the Standing Rules
- Restructuring of the Committee System
According to Rep. Sokan, revising the current rules would provide greater clarity and consistency in legislative processes, enforce ethical standards and accountability, improve legislative efficiency in addressing national issues, and promote inclusive and equitable representation.
Regarding the committees, which he described as the “bedrock of legislative work,” the Grand Gedeh lawmaker called for a structural and functional realignment. He stressed that committees must be equipped to conduct in-depth analyses, hold public hearings, and perform robust oversight.
Key elements of his proposed committee reform include:
- Enhancing specialization and sectoral expertise
- Strengthening oversight mechanisms for effective checks and balances
- Ensuring balanced leadership and political representation
- Increasing public engagement and transparency
- Fostering efficiency and performance-based outcomes
House Leadership to Initiate Review Process
In response to the communication, the House Leadership is reportedly preparing to establish an inclusive committee tasked with steering the reform review. The committee will organize a retreat for lawmakers to thoroughly evaluate the proposed changes and develop actionable recommendations.
Should the Plenary endorse the proposal, it could pave the way for a more efficient and accountable legislature—better positioned to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, including holding government institutions to account and advancing effective public service delivery.
This initiative follows increased calls from civil society and the broader public for greater transparency, improved attendance, and more effective committee operations. Rep. Sokan’s proposal may represent a pivotal first step toward addressing these concerns through institutional reform.
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