By Kruah Thompson
House Speaker candidate has pledged a fair hearing for legislative employees who claim they have not been treated fairly regarding benefits.
The Deputy House Speaker has made the promise in the wake of a protest staged by staffers on the grounds of the Capitol on Thursday, 4 January 2024.
Staffers, following an additional sitting of the Legislature, have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that they have not received payment for the past two months despite constitutional provisions for that.
They also alleged that senators and representatives have already been compensated for the additional sitting. Their alleged unpaid benefits have led to the protest on Capitol Hill.
Addressing the protest, Deputy Speaker Koffa assured the employees that if elected as speaker, he would work closely with the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee to address their concerns.
Cllr. Koffa, the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) candidate for the Speaker of the House of Representatives slot, is being bitterly fought by his current boss, outgoing House Speaker Bhofal Chambers.
Chambers has repeatedly questioned Koffa’s preparedness for the top legislative post, accusing him of an alleged conflict of interest regarding his legal interest with private and state-owned institutions.
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But Koffa has rejected Chambers’ assertions. His rival is Montserrado County re-elected Representative Richard Koon who is backed by the opposition Unity Party (UP) which heads the incoming government after the 22 January 2024 presidential inauguration.
Koffa acknowledged limitations during his tenure as deputy speaker but committed to rectifying grievances if elected.
As deputy speaker, he said he faced limitations in addressing issues. But the Grand Kru County lawmaker vowed to collaborate with the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee in the Legislature if he is elected.
He said a series of measures will be proposed aimed at achieving parity for staffers.
“There are several issues broken at the House of Senate that need to be addressed, including transportation and the payment system for sessions. Our staffers have not been treated fairly, and there’s more we can do,” stated Koffa.
He outlined plans to introduce measures to bring legislative staffers in line with the rest of the government, acknowledging a flawed payroll system at the Capitol.
Cllr. Koffa also believes that the payroll system at the Capitol has some issues, adding that to hire the necessary staff for their office, they are compelled to deduct from their salaries to augment the employees’ wages.
He stated that their oversight powers would be exercised under his speakership to showcase the workings of the three political branches of the government, addressing concerns raised by the protesting employees.
Meanwhile, Koffa also pointed out that his office has always been open to staffers, and they are willing to make interventions.
