Liberia's House orders pay review after CBL nominee's salary revealed
Lawmakers demand transparency on executive benefits after a Central Bank nominee disclosed a US$9,000 monthly salary.
Liberia's House of Representatives voted unanimously on Tuesday to review government salaries and benefits following the public disclosure of a senior official's pay. The lower house instructed its committees on Ways, Means and Finance and Public Accounts to examine pay and perks for government officials and report back within two weeks. Representative Alex S. Noah of Sinoe County introduced the motion, arguing that ministers and heads of state-owned enterprises earn significantly more than lawmakers.
The review was prompted by Euphemia G.T. Swen-Monmia's confirmation hearing on October 22, where she stated her monthly salary is US$9,000, with an additional US$5,000 in cash benefits and a US$15,000 housing allowance. This amounts to approximately US$168,000 annually before housing costs. Lawmakers described their own compensation as "peanuts" compared to executive officials, with Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah of Bong County noting that a US$2,000 scholarship budget line often goes unfunded.
Communications from Representatives Sumo K. Mulbah and Musa H. Bility had previously called for transparency in public sector compensation, requesting details on officials earning over US$5,000 monthly. Mulbah argued that extensive allowances, including housing and external medical provisions, constitute an unsustainable drain on government funds. The House Plenary has forwarded these communications to the relevant committees for a report within two weeks.
Why it mattersLiberians are affected by the disparity in government salaries and benefits, which places an unsustainable burden on public finances.