By By: The People News Online
Capital Hill, Monrovia – Representative J Fonati Koffa of Grand Kru County Electoral District #2 has called on the House of Representatives to create a National Social Safety Net Fund aimed at providing relief for vulnerable Liberians struggling to meet basic needs such as rent and school fees
In a formal communication to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Rep Koffa proposed the establishment of a USD 25 million fund that would serve as direct support to citizens facing economic hardship He said the initiative is necessary to address the growing financial pressure on Liberian families
Rep Koffa noted that many households are under severe distress, with some families constantly relocating due to unpaid rent and others keeping their children home for lack of school fees He emphasized that despite positive economic indicators, “the Liberian family is in crisis”
The Grand Kru lawmaker decried what he described as the disparity between the government’s spending and the living conditions of ordinary citizens, citing excessive benefits, costly foreign travel, and luxury vehicle purchases for officials
To finance the proposed fund, Rep Koffa recommended five key measures
1 Cut non-essential benefits and allowances across all three branches of government
2 Reduce foreign travel for public officials, except for critical national missions
3 Limit new vehicle purchases in ministries and agencies
4 Redirect part of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company’s operational surplus
5 Borrow a portion of the funds from the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), to be repaid over time
He argued that these adjustments are “reasonable and patriotic,” not extraordinary sacrifices, to ensure citizens can cope with the rising cost of living
Koffa urged his colleagues to treat the proposal with urgency and forward it to relevant committees for consideration in the 2026 National Budget
“The time to act is now,” he stressed, calling for a collective response driven by compassion and responsibility toward the Liberian people
