Snowe Wants Government Reverts to Pre-Harmonization Amidst Billion-Plus Budget

The Liberian Senate has mandated its Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance, chaired by Bong County Senator Prince Moye Kiamue, to review a communication from Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, calling on the government to revert to the pre-harmonization salary structure. The decision followed the adoption of Senator Snowe’s communication on the Senate’s plenary agenda during Thursday’s session at the Capitol Building. In his communication addressed to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Snowe commended the Unity Party (UP)-led administration for the submission of the Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which totals an unprecedented US$1.2 billion. 

He described the budget as a landmark in Liberia’s post-war economic governance, noting that it represents the interests and aspirations of Liberians through inclusive planning, equitable resource distribution, and strengthened fiscal discipline. Despite his commendation, Senator Snowe urged the government to use this financial milestone as an opportunity to revisit the controversial harmonization policy implemented under the previous administration. The harmonization policy, which sought to standardize salaries across government agencies, resulted in significant pay cuts for many civil servants. Snowe argued that with the budget now surpassing one billion dollars, there is no justification for maintaining the policy, asserting that the government has the financial capacity to restore salaries and benefits to their pre-harmonization levels. 

“The compilation and timely submission of this draft budget could not have come at a better time,” Snowe stated in his letter. “It presents a unique opportunity for this Honorable Legislature to prioritize the welfare of civil servants by revisiting and addressing the long-standing challenges emanating from the harmonization of salaries policy. A sincere return to pre-harmonization levels would not only restore confidence within the public service but also reinforce the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods and productivity across all sectors.” The Bomi County Senator’s communication further highlighted the irony that the current ruling Unity Party, which strongly criticized harmonization while in opposition, has yet to take decisive action to repeal it. 

Snowe maintained that ending the policy would align with the government’s broader commitment to fairness, inclusion, and social justice, especially at a time when fiscal space has significantly improved. Following the submission, Senate Plenary agreed to forward the matter to the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance for appropriate action. The committee has been tasked with reviewing the feasibility of Snowe’s request and advising Plenary accordingly during the ongoing budget deliberations. 

The debate over salary harmonization continues to resonate across Liberia’s public sector, with many civil servants expressing frustration over what they consider to be unequal and demotivating wage adjustments. If adopted, Senator Snowe’s proposal could mark a significant policy reversal, potentially reshaping Liberia’s public service pay structure and morale. As the Senate’s budget discussions progress, the nation watches closely to see whether lawmakers will heed Snowe’s call and restore pre-harmonization salary levels in the upcoming fiscal year.

Author: Zac T. Sherman