By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia — The Law Reform Commission of Liberia is set to launch a three-day review session for its Five-Year Strategic Plan this Thursday in Ganta, mapping out an extensive program to modernize Liberia’s legal and governance structures through 2031. The validation workshop, slated for May 28 to May 30, will define the Commission’s legislative and policy priorities for the coming five years under the direction of Chairperson and CEO Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah.
The proposed plan focuses on improving governance, pushing institutional changes, and bolstering national economic growth. A central element involves creating a Budget and Planning Commission through new legislation, which would shift budget and planning responsibilities away from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to promote better coordination and long-range development. The Commission is also advocating for a thorough revision of the 1986 Constitution, arguing that many of its clauses are outdated and must be updated to match present-day democratic and governance norms.
Additional priorities in the strategy include setting up a Liberia Infrastructure Fund to pay for long-term infrastructure projects, revising the Liberia Maritime Authority Act to strengthen oversight and industry competitiveness, and formulating a full-scale National Local Content Law to safeguard Liberian participation in concession deals and large investments. The document also proposes a specialized Land Court to manage property disputes more efficiently, along with reforms to laws governing the Liberia Business Registry and other commercial regulations.
The Commission noted that several significant draft laws have already been prepared under Cllr. Varmah. Among them is a bill to create Liberia’s first Family Court for handling domestic and family-related cases, and an updated version of the 1960 law that established the National Housing Authority to better guide housing policy. It has also amended the statute creating the National Food Assistance Agency and the 2017 Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation Act, adding new administrative provisions and measures against water theft. These drafts will soon go to the Office of the President for review before being sent to the National Legislature for passage.
The Law Reform Commission reiterated its pledge to back the Liberian government and citizens with forward-looking legal changes designed to encourage accountability, economic progress, effective institutions, and social equity.
