BUCHANAN – The National Program Director of the Grassroots Agency for Social Services (GRASS), Mr. Barley Togba, has officially concluded his leadership of the Grand Bassa County Civil Society, issuing a strong statement on Sunday, July 20, 2025, warning of a looming crisis due to delays in holding constitutionally mandated elections for civil society organizations.
Speaking at a press conference in Buchanan, Mr. Togba began by offering gratitude to God and the people of Grand Bassa for what he described as “seven years of divine protection and public trust.” He noted that his administration has completed its full two-term mandate as outlined in the Civil Society Constitution, and he emphasized that it is time to step aside in accordance with the law.
Togba underscored the vital role civil society plays in upholding Liberia’s democratic framework. “Civil society is not merely a collection of groups but a cornerstone of our civic space, charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the laws that drive development,” he said. He stressed that Grand Bassa and Liberia at large must not become violators of their own laws.
Despite numerous appeals to national authorities, Togba said no steps have been taken to organize free and fair elections for civil society leadership across the country. He warned that the continued occupation of expired leadership positions undermines governance and threatens service delivery at the local level.
“Our mandate expired two years ago. Staying in office beyond that point without legitimacy would make us ineffective and complicit,” he declared. Togba expressed frustration that repeated warnings to county and national leaders, including the Governance Commission and Ministry of Internal Affairs, have been ignored.
The former civil society leader went further to suggest that the government’s inaction appears deliberate. “It is increasingly evident that the national leadership either condones or benefits from these violations,” he said, calling attention to the serious national security implications of weakened civil governance.
Togba issued a direct call to President Joseph N. Boakai, urging the Liberian leader to intervene. “The President must act before this becomes a national embarrassment. If civil society collapses, the country risks descending into lawlessness,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Togba reaffirmed his commitment to rule of law and responsible leadership, calling on all stakeholders to listen and respond. “Let those who have ears hear,” he said, invoking a solemn plea for urgent reform.
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