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Did Minister Ngafuan Lie on the Reversal of Harmonization at the Judiciary?

  • Writer: Michael T
    Michael T
  • Jul 16
  • 3 min read
Minister Augustine Ngafuan
Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan


During his appearance on ELBC, Minister Ngafuan suggested that judicial salaries were being restored after years of cuts. However, a review of the official compensation figures for the Judiciary from 2023 to 2025 reveals a narrative of continuity rather than reversal. The compensation line item, which covers salaries and direct pay, has not increased. In fact, after standing at $7,790,494 in 2023, it slightly decreased to $7,600,982 for both 2024 and 2025[1].


There is no evidence of a pay cut having been implemented in previous years, nor any indication that salaries are now being restored. The figures suggest that the base pay for judicial staff has remained largely unchanged[1].


What has changed, and quite significantly, is the allocation for social benefits—funds typically used for pensions, health insurance, and other non-salary perks. These benefits have risen from $8.3 million in 2023 to a projected $11.6 million in 2025. This increase in social benefits should not be confused with a salary adjustment or a reversal of the “harmonization” policy[1].


The harmonization policy, introduced under the National Remuneration and Standardization Act of 2019, was designed to create a more equitable wage structure across Liberia’s public sector. It also brought the Judiciary in line with Article 72 of the 1986 Constitution, requiring judges to pay taxes on their earnings[2]. Contrary to some claims, there was no across-the-board pay cut for the Judiciary in prior years—what occurred was compliance with the law and tax norms applied to all branches of government. The Judiciary was not used to paying taxes until 2019. So, introducing a 10% tax payment meant pay cuts. Which in reality was not true since constitutionally everyone is required to pay taxes by law[2].


Rather than a reversal of harmonization, the current budget reflects a shift in emphasis: an expansion of non-wage incentives rather than a correction in judicial salaries[1].


The 2023 budget, set by the previous administration, established the baseline. The notable increases in social benefit allocations for 2024 and 2025 are the responsibility of the current government, which must now justify both the intent and impact of these changes[1].


The Judiciary has long voiced concerns about its limited share of the national budget and its perceived marginalization as a co-equal branch of government[3][4]. While the expanded benefits may offer some relief, describing the changes as a reversal of harmonization is misleading. The core issue of judicial independence and adequate funding remains unresolved[3][4].


Minister Ngafuan’s claims of reversing harmonization and restoring pay at the Judiciary do not align with the available budget data. The real story is one of static salaries and rising social benefits—a distinction that is crucial to understand.



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Additional Sources


[2] [PDF] National Remuneration Standardization Act of 2019 - LIBLAW https://liblaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/National-Remuneration-Standardization-Act-of-2019.pdf

[3] Liberia: Supreme Court Rejects 2.8 Percent Budget Allocation for Judiciary https://allafrica.com/stories/202406060517.html

[4] Liberia: LNBA Decries Meager Budget Support to Judiciary https://allafrica.com/stories/202406110295.html

[8] EAC Chief Justices call for increases funding for Judiciaries in the region https://www.eac.int/press-releases/153-legal-judicial-affairs

[10] Reform of national judiciary system, including appointments, needed, says Legal Affairs Division of PM's Dept https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/10/reform-of-national-judiciary-system-including-appointments-needed-says-legal-affairs-division-of-pm039s-dept

[11] Court summons Legislature - Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news https://thenewdawnliberia.com/court-summons-legislature/

[12] Gov’t to increase Judiciary’s budget - Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news https://thenewdawnliberia.com/govt-to-increase-judiciarys-budget/

[14] Liberian Judges Run Out Of Patience Over Pay Cut, Summon ... https://newspublictrust.com/liberian-judges-run-out-of-patience-pay-cut-summon-finance-min-tw

[15] Budget Wahala -Judiciary Rejects Its Share, Citing Inequality https://analystliberiaonline.com/budget-wahala-judiciary-rejects-its-share-citing-inequality/

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