Liberia: Justice Ministry Makes Strong Case for Increased Budget Support

What the report says

Liberia’s Justice Ministry used its recent executive budget hearing in Monrovia to argue for stronger financial support for the coming fiscal year, according to Liberian Observer via AllAfrica. Acting Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Betty Lamin Blamo told officials at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning that the ministry’s work depends on adequate funding, institutional capacity and timely government backing.

Blamo said the ministry and its auxiliary agencies — including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia Immigration Service and Liberia National Fire Service — have core responsibilities tied to public safety, the rule of law and national stability. She said the hearing gave the sector an opportunity to describe achievements, identify funding gaps and present proposed allocations for the 2027 budget cycle, including recurrent spending and public investment needs.

As context, the ministry reported several operational updates, including 301 indictments and 115 convictions during parts of the court year, along with progress on correctional infrastructure. The report said some prison projects reached full completion, while others remained underway, including a new facility in Cheesmanburg intended to ease overcrowding. The ministry also cited expansion of probation, parole and other community-based correctional services across seven counties.

Blamo also highlighted police modernization efforts, including an online clearance system introduced in 2026 with barcode verification. The ministry said the budget process would help government assess performance, clarify priorities and determine whether requested resources can better support justice and security services.