By: Laymah Kollie
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has called on Liberiaโs international partners to urgently support efforts to digitize the countryโs legislative infrastructure, emphasizing the need for technological upgrades that would enhance transparency, record keeping, and institutional efficiency.
Addressing a high-level diplomatic gathering today in Monrovia, Speaker Koon described current systems as outdated and ineffective, noting that the lack of a functioning microphone system, digitized voting records, and a public-facing website hampers lawmakersโ ability to carry out their duties.
Speaker Koon and fellow lawmakers of the 55th Legislature convened the strategic engagement with foreign ambassadors, representatives of UN institutions, and other diplomatic envoys to explore deeper avenues of cooperation and to articulate Liberiaโs governance priorities.
In addition to the call for digitization, he identified several immediate needsโincluding website development, capacity building for legislative staff, and logistical support for the upcoming Mano River Union Parliamentary Conference scheduled for July 16โ20, 2025.
He underscored the importance of translation services for the regional meeting, given the participation of French-speaking delegates, and requested assistance in equipping the Legislature with simultaneous interpretation tools and protocols.
โWe are preparing to welcome three other Speakers of Parliament. This is a crucial moment that requires both infrastructural and technical readiness,โ Speaker Koon stated.
The Speaker also issued a strong appeal for capacity building programs, specifically for legislative budget analysts and audit review committees.
He explained that the complexity of national financial documents often necessitates expert summaries to inform lawmakers’ decisions.
โWe dedicate this work to staff, but they too need training and tools to keep up,โ he remarked.
Turning to long-term governance reform, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon proposed that Liberia should consider a national referendum to update its constitution.
โMany of its provisions are obsolete,โ he argued, suggesting that the country embed a 50-year development roadmap into law to promote policy continuity across changing administrations.
He cited examples from other African nations, where constitutional frameworks ensure the uninterrupted implementation of national projects regardless of political transition.
Speaker Koon ended the forum with a pledge of partnership, openness, and gratitude. He welcomed the idea of quarterly engagement with international stakeholders and emphasized that Liberia’s democratic advancement depends on consistent dialogue and mutual learning.
โWe depend on our partners for our growth,โ he said. โBut we also contribute ideas and experiences worth sharing.โ
