𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺

House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has called on Liberia’s international partners to urgently support efforts to digitize the country’s 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Addressing a high-level diplomatic gathering today in Monrovia, Speaker Koon described current systems as outdated and ineffective, noting that the lack of a functioning microphone system, digitized voting records, and a public-facing website hampers lawmakers’ ability to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 Liberia’s governance priorities.

In addition to the call for digitization, he identified several immediate needs—including website development, capacity building for legislative staff, and logistical support for the upcoming Mano River Union Parliamentary Conference scheduled for July 16–20, 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.

“We are preparing to welcome three other Speakers of Parliament. This is a crucial moment that requires both infrastructural and technical readiness,” 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.
“We dedicate this work to staff, but they too need training and tools to keep up,” he remarked.
Turning to long-term governance reform, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon proposed that Liberia should consider a national referendum to update its constitution.

“Many of its provisions are obsolete,” 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.

“We depend on our partners for our growth,” he said. “But we also contribute ideas and experiences worth sharing.”

U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia
Chinese Embassy in Liberia
World Bank
Sweden.se
UN in Liberia
UN Women
South African Government