MONROVIA –The Law Reform Commission(LRC), under the dynamic leadership of its Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, is this week conducting a high-level validation exercise for its Five-Year Strategic Plan in Ganta, Nimba County.
By Victoria G Wesseh
The strategic validation exercise, according to a press release, is intended to determine the Commission’s policy and legislative direction over the next five years, with a focus on strengthening governance, promoting institutional reforms, and advancing Liberia’s legal and economic development agenda.
The statement added that the validation exercise will begin on Thursday May 28 and will end on Saturday, May 30.
The Five-Year Strategic Plan captures several critical national reform initiatives, including: The drafting of legislation to establish the proposed Budget and Planning Commission, aimed at separating the budgetary and planning components from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to ensure greater efficiency, coordination, and long-term national development planning.
The review of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which after nearly forty years, contains several provisions considered obsolete and in need of modernization to reflect current democratic realities and governance standards.
The establishment of the Liberia Infrastructure Fund to support sustainable infrastructure financing and national development priorities.
The review and amendment of the Liberia Maritime Authority Act to enhance regulatory effectiveness and improve the competitiveness of Liberia’s maritime sector.
The drafting of a comprehensive National Local Content Law for Liberia intended to provide a holistic Liberianization paradigm that protects and promotes Liberian interests in concession agreements and major investment activities.
The establishment of a dedicated Land Court for Liberia to address land-related disputes more effectively and strengthen access to justice in land matters.
Legislative reforms relating to the Liberia Business Registry and other governance and commercial regulatory frameworks.
While validating its Five-Year Strategic Plan, the Law Reform Commission also informs the public that under the leadership of Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, the Commission has successfully drafted several landmark legislations aimed at strengthening Liberia’s justice and governance systems.
Among these achievements are draft legislations for Liberia’s first-ever Family Court, intended to address family-related matters through a specialized judicial mechanism, as well as the review of the 1960 Act establishing the National Housing Authority to support national housing development and policy coordination.
The Commission has also successfully reviewed and revised the Act establishing the National Food Assistance Agency (NFAA) and the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation Act of 2017 to incorporate administrative arrangements and providing for water theft.
The Commission says all the instruments referenced, will shortly be submitted to the Office of the President for his consideration and onward submission to the National Legislature for enactment.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government and people of Liberia through progressive legal reforms that promote accountability, economic growth, institutional effectiveness, and social justice.
