Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon has called on Liberians to embrace unity, institutional reform, and democratic resilience as the country enters 2026, describing 2025 as a defining year for the 55th Legislature. In his New Year message, Koon extended warm greetings to citizens and reflected on what he termed a year of enormous challenges, reflection, and renewal for the House.
According to Speaker Koon, the year tested Liberia’s democratic institutions, the collective resolve of lawmakers, and their commitment to the rule of law. Despite internal difficulties, he said the House emerged stronger through dialogue, patience, and adherence to constitutional order. “The House emerged stronger than ever, more focused, and more determined to serve the Liberian people,” Koon said.
He explained that following an arduous and difficult period in the life of the Legislature, priority was placed on restoring institutional order and reuniting members of the House. These efforts, he noted, helped refocus lawmakers on the people’s business and laid the foundation for meaningful reforms and steady progress.
Koon highlighted accountability as a major achievement, noting that the House worked closely with the Committee on Public Accounts to support the establishment of an Internal Audit Department. He said the move reinforced transparency and financial discipline within the Legislature and strengthened public confidence in its operations.
On legislative infrastructure and security, the Speaker disclosed that the completion of the main chamber marked a significant milestone. He added that modern security features, including CCTV surveillance and biometric access systems, were installed to safeguard the institution and ensure a secure working environment.
Addressing staff welfare and efficiency, Koon said four buses were procured to ease transportation challenges faced by employees of the House, improving punctuality and productivity. He also pointed to institutional rationalization efforts, including the deactivation of dormant departments and the strengthening of essential but underperforming units, particularly the maintenance department.
The Speaker further emphasized the empowerment of the Legislative Budget Office, stating that it was strengthened to better support lawmakers in budget analysis, oversight, and informed lawmaking. He said this reform enhanced the technical capacity of the House and improved the quality of legislative decision-making.
Koon also outlined administrative reforms aimed at improving governance and leadership balance. He said the Office of the Speaker deliberately reduced direct involvement in committee work, while members were given greater opportunities to represent the House at national and international engagements. He added that improved timeliness of sittings boosted legislative discipline and public confidence.
Looking ahead to 2026, Speaker Koon said the House remains resolved to build on the gains of 2025, deepen reforms, and deliver a Legislature that is united, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the Liberian people. He stressed that the coming year would demand greater cooperation across political lines, stronger oversight and lawmaking, and an unwavering commitment to peace and national development.
In closing, Koon reminded Liberians that progress does not mean the absence of challenges, but the courage to confront them together. “As we step into 2026, let us do so with renewed hope, shared purpose, and confidence in our democratic institutions,” he said, wishing the nation a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year.
