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Rule of Law in Focus: Ghanaian Speaker's Cautious Intervention in Liberia's Legislative Impasse

  • Writer: Michael T
    Michael T
  • Mar 14
  • 2 min read

Ghanaian Speaker Alban Bagbin
Ghanaian Speaker Alban Bagbin

The legislative crisis in Liberia has persisted for six months, from October 2024 to March 2025, presenting significant challenges to the country's democracy14. The crisis stems from a power struggle within the House of Representatives, with two main factions: the Majority Bloc seeking to remove Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and the Minority Bloc (Rule of Law Caucus) supporting him1.


The situation escalated when the majority bloc purported to elect Richard Koon as an alternative speaker and suspended members loyal to Koffa5. This has led to a legislative deadlock, hindering essential functions such as the approval of the national budget3.


Ghanaian Speaker Alban Bagbin's recent intervention marks the latest attempt to resolve the crisis2. Upon arrival in Liberia, Bagbin opted for high-stakes mediation instead of attending a planned parliamentary retreat, meeting with President Joseph Boakai and key stakeholders2. His cautious approach reflects the delicate nature of the situation and its regional implications2.


The Supreme Court's ambiguous ruling in December 2024 failed to resolve the impasse, with both factions claiming victory4. This has led to criticism from former leaders, including ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who warned of potential further destabilization4.


As the crisis continues, it raises concerns about Liberia's democratic stability and its readiness to prioritize the rule of law1. The situation has sparked public anger and protests, eroding trust in government institutions1. The resolution of this crisis will have significant implications not only for Liberia's political stability but also for the credibility of regional diplomatic efforts in resolving internal conflicts4.



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References


  1. https://ipb.org/legislative-deadlock-and-democratic-challenges-in-liberias-house-of-representatives-october-2024-to-present/

  2. https://liberianinvestigator.com/update/ghanas-speaker-refuses-to-validate-koons-contested-leadership-pushes-for-resolution-in-legislative-crisis/

  3. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/26/parliament-blaze-and-a-deadlock-why-is-liberia-in-a-political-crisisRule of Law in Focus: Ghanaian Speaker's Cautious Intervention in Liberia

  4. https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-former-senator-john-ballout-joins-ex-president-sirleaf-in-criticizing-supreme-courts-ambiguous-ruling-urges-clarity-on-speaker-koffas-bill-of-information/

  5. https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/report/liberia/november-2024

  6. https://frontpageafricaonline.com/front-slider/liberia-edwin-snowe-briefs-ghanaian-president-and-chair-of-the-heads-of-states-and-governments-of-ecowas-on-state-of-regional-security/Rule of Law in Focus: Ghanaian Speaker's Cautious Intervention in LiberiaRule of Law in Focus: Ghanaian Speaker's Cautious Intervention in Liberia

  7. https://thenewdawnliberia.com/?p=85697

  8. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/liberia/overview




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