House Adjourns with 27 Bills Passed in 2nd Quarter

House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa

The House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature has adjourned after passing 27 bills in its 2nd quarter of sitting. 

Members of the House are expected to resume work on October 14. In compliance with revised rules and procedures of the Legislature, the Senate and the House have divided their works into three (3) quarters to meet up the new budget cycle, which runs from January to December. 

The first quarter goes from the second working Monday in January through May, the second quarter from May 17 to July 22, and the third quarter from October 14 to December. The presiding officer, Deputy  Speaker J. Fonati Koffa said 42 bills were introduced during regular and special Sittings, of which  27 bills were passed.

In his adjournment statement, Koffa stated there were 20 regular sessions, 13 executive sessions, and two (2) Special Sessions.

“There were fifteen total Executive Bills enacted, four Senate legislations concurred with, five House bills passed, two House Joint Resolutions, and one certificate of extension. There are a total of 18 bills in the committee chamber, including five House bills, three Executive bills, five Senate bills, and five petitions.”

The Grand Kru County District #2 Representative disclosed that there were 11 appearances of Ministers and Directors.

Meanwhile, Koffa has appointed a 15-man Adhoc Committee to add on Leadership, to steer the affairs of the  House during the break.

“...We did the best that we could; that is what our people brought us here for. We now go forward.  We were pleased to pass a significant number of bills, including most of the integrity bills that the eyes of our people and the international community have looked upon us,” the Deputy Speaker  noted.

“History will judge that indeed we were here and that indeed, we acted. Sure, there will be many criticisms, some justified and some not; but that is who we are and that is what we came here for. So, to my colleagues, I say thank you.”

Meanwhile, some of the bills approved include the Whistleblower Act of 2021 which seeks to protect whistleblowers, as well as the Witness Protection Act of 2021 which seeks to grant protection to witnesses.