By: Wilmot Konah
Capitol Hill, Monrovia: Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has raised several key national issues during a special visit at the House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to take action on policy areas affecting governance and national development.
Speaking to members of the House during the 16th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 3rd Session of the 55th Legislature, Sirleaf highlighted the need to consider an amendment to Chapter 4, Article 27(b) of the Liberian Constitution, which restricts citizenship to persons of Negro descent. She said opening Liberia’s citizenship framework could help attract greater economic investment and development, calling for a modernization of the country’s citizenship laws.
She also stressed the urgency of addressing land disputes across the country, emphasizing the need for the full involvement of all branches of government, particularly the judiciary. Sirleaf noted that land conflicts remain one of Liberia’s most persistent sources of local tension, despite the passage of the 2018 Land Rights Act, which was intended to clarify ownership and strengthen community land rights.
The former president further called attention to the state of Monrovia, noting the need for continued improvements in sanitation, urban planning, and public services as the capital faces increasing pressure from rapid population growth.
Sirleaf also urged stronger enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, which aims to prioritize Liberian participation in certain sectors of the economy and protect small-scale businesses for Liberian citizens.
In addition, she emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in the Legislature, noting that female representation in national decision-making remains relatively low despite ongoing efforts to promote women’s leadership.
Her remarks come as lawmakers continue discussions on governance reforms and policy measures aimed at addressing key social and economic challenges in Liberia.
