Published: February 21, 2025
Capitol Hill – Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph has urged the Liberian Senate, through its Public Accounts & Audits Committee (PAC), to formally mandate the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of funds provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to various government ministries and agencies.
In a communication to the Senate Plenary on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Senator Joseph requested that the audit cover fiscal years 2018 to 2025.
His request was triggered by a recent announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend all USAID aid to foreign nations, including Liberia, for 90 days while a comprehensive review of the agency’s activities is conducted.
The unexpected decision has left many countries, including Liberia, facing potential setbacks in USAID-funded projects and struggling to address budgetary gaps caused by the aid suspension.
Senator Joseph emphasized that USAID has been a crucial development partner for Liberia, providing financial and technical support in key sectors such as governance, infrastructure, education, health, and economic development.
He stressed the need for a transparent and independent audit to ensure that these funds have been utilized effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with financial and procurement regulations.
Key Focus Areas of the Audit
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Transport, Senator Joseph highlighted key areas the audit should focus on, including:
- The allocation and disbursement of USAID funds to government ministries and agencies
- Compliance with financial management and procurement standards
- The impact and effectiveness of USAID-funded projects
- Identification of any potential irregularities, mismanagement, or misuse of funds
He noted that the audit should assess the use of funds under both the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration and the current Unity Party (UP) government.
According to Senator Joseph, conducting the audit will enhance public accountability and reinforce Liberia’s commitment to transparent governance and responsible management of donor resources. He also believes that such an initiative will strengthen Liberia’s partnership with USAID and ensure the efficient use of future development assistance in the national interest.
Potential Budget Cuts to Address Funding Gaps
Senator Joseph further suggested that, if necessary, the Liberian government should consider adjusting the national budget to compensate for the funding shortfall caused by the USAID aid suspension. He proposed possible cuts to the Legislature’s budget as part of cost-saving measures.
“If the Legislature’s budget was US$30 million, then we should cut it down to $15 or $10 million,” he stressed. “At this moment, everyone must experience a cut. But we can’t make these decisions without first reviewing how USAID funds have been implemented and how much directly benefited our people.”
He suggested that after the audit, the government may need to recall or revise the 2025 national budget. If the audit highlights inefficiencies, he proposed reducing lawmakers’ salaries and cutting expenses related to fuel, travel, and other benefits to close financial gaps.
Senator Clarifies That Audit Request Is Not an Accusation
Senator Joseph clarified that his call for an audit is not intended to accuse past or present government officials of misappropriating public funds.
“My goal is to identify gaps—whether in the education, agriculture, or health sectors—so we can find the best alternatives to address the issues,” he explained.
“In light of the above, I respectfully urge the Honorable Plenary to approve this request and mandate the GAC to commence an audit covering the period from 2018 to 2025,” he pleaded.
Senator Joseph expressed optimism that the Plenary would grant his request through the Public Accounts and Audits Committee, enabling the GAC to conduct a thorough and transparent audit of USAID funds allocated to Liberia over the past several years.
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