NATIONAL NEWS
Monrovia — Rev. Philip Blamo has renewed calls for urgent constitutional reform in Liberia, warning that the country’s political and development progress continues to be constrained by an outdated system of governance that no longer reflects present-day realities.
Drawing a comparison with Kenya, Rev. Blamo noted that Kenya’s constitution, first adopted in 1963, has been amended more than 30 times to respond to changing political systems and development needs.
Liberia, by contrast, still operates under its 1986 Constitution, which has been amended only once in nearly four decades.
By: Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
According to him, the disparity underscores a deep resistance to reform within Liberia’s political culture. “How can we expect to move forward politically and economically when we remain bound by a governance framework designed in 1980?” Rev. Blamo asked. “We cannot build a modern nation using laws written for a different era and a different political reality.”
He emphasized that constitutions are not meant to be static documents but should evolve alongside society.
As nations grow, he said, their legal and political systems must adapt to emerging challenges such as globalization, technological change, youth unemployment, environmental protection, and democratic accountability.
Rev. Blamo further argued that Liberia’s current constitution was drafted under military rule and reflects the thinking of that period rather than the aspirations of today’s democratic society.
“Our constitution was born out of a military regime, not out of broad democratic consensus,” he said. “Yet we continue to treat it as untouchable. This has limited our ability to introduce bold reforms in governance, decentralization, land management, and economic policy.”
He also pointed out that many of Liberia’s persistent challenges—including weak institutions, excessive centralization of power, and slow policy reform—can be traced to constitutional provisions that discourage innovation and accountability.
Rev. Blamo warned that failure to modernize the constitutional framework could deepen political stagnation and widen the development gap between Liberia and other African countries that are reforming their governance systems to meet present-day demands.
“Development does not happen in a vacuum,” he said. “It requires laws that promote efficiency, transparency, and participation. If our constitution cannot support modern development policies, then it must be reviewed and reformed.”
He called for a broad and inclusive national dialogue involving civil society organizations, political parties, traditional leaders, and young people to examine sections of the constitution that require reform.
He stressed that the process must be peaceful, democratic, and driven by the will of the people rather than political elites.
“Constitutional reform should not be feared,” Rev. Blamo added. “It should be embraced as a tool for national renewal. A nation that refuses to modernize its governance tools risks permanent stagnation.”
He concluded by urging Liberians to reflect seriously on the country’s future and the role the constitution must play in shaping that future.
