IPNEWS: Montserrado County District #3 Representative Sumo Mulbah has called on House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to redirect legislative attention from traditional long-term national goals to urgent short-term priorities affecting ordinary Liberians.
In a written communication to the House of Representatives, Rep. Mulbah commended Speaker Koon for his October 10, 2025, opening speech, describing it as “well-structured and visionary.” However, he noted that the address leaned heavily toward long-term development goals rather than addressing pressing socioeconomic challenges confronting citizens.
Mulbah emphasized that issues such as unemployment and the growing wave of illegal drug abuse demand immediate interventions and effective management. He cautioned that while major projects like infrastructure development and institutional expansion are important, spreading national resources across too many long-term goals could undermine meaningful short-term progress.
“Economic stability is the foundation for improving access to healthcare and education,” the Montserrado lawmaker stated, adding that rising unemployment continues to weaken citizens’ ability to afford basic services. He further underscored the urgent need for robust rehabilitation programs to assist young Liberians struggling with drug addiction and mental health problems.
Mulbah recommended that the upcoming 2026 National Budget prioritize short-term citizen needs, including increased funding for the Ministry of Health and the University of Liberia.
He proposed three key policy measures for consideration:
1. Integrate the budgets of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Senate Pro Tempore under the House of Representatives to avoid overlapping allocations and redirect savings to anti-drug initiatives.
2. Strictly enforce the 2015 Employment Act to ensure Liberian workers are given preference in job opportunities.
3. Reduce spending on travel and non-essential goods and services, channeling those funds toward hospitals, schools, and drug enforcement programs.
Rep. Mulbah concluded that the Legislature must demonstrate a results-driven approach by refocusing on immediate national priorities that directly impact citizens’ welfare. He cautioned that failure to do so could undermine both lawmakers’ re-election prospects and the success of President Joseph Boakai’s administration. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail.com
