MONROVIA – Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has concluded three rounds of local governance policy dialogues aimed at strengthening decentralization and enhancing citizens’ participation in local development planning across Bong, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties.
The dialogues brought together a total of 150 participants—50 each from Salala District in Bong, Weala in Margibi, and Compound #1 in Grand Bassa. Participants included county administrators, district and township commissioners, paramount and clan chiefs, county council members, and women and youth representatives.
The events were designed to foster dialogue between local leaders and community members on the implementation of the County Development Agendas (CDAs), while promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making under the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018.
During the sessions, participants were introduced to the structures, mandates, and functions of county administrations and councils, the county budgeting process, and the principles of people-centered development. The sessions also emphasized the importance of shared responsibility and accountability in local governance.
County Development Officers and Finance Officers led the technical sessions, guiding participants on how development projects are identified, funded, monitored, and reported. They also stressed the role of the county council in approving projects and ensuring transparency in the use of County and Social Development Funds.
Bong County Finance Officer, Silas Tokpa, assured participants that most of the approved development projects will be completed and dedicated by the end of August 2025. He urged citizens to monitor and report on project implementation in their communities and encouraged continued civic engagement through dialogues like Naymote’s, which he said were building trust and educating leaders on their roles under the LGA.
Naymote’s Executive Director, Eddie Jarwolo, emphasized that decentralization brings decision-making closer to the people, making it essential for local leaders to engage directly with citizens to understand their needs. He noted that the County Development Agendas were designed with community input and are now being implemented with ongoing citizen participation.
Naymote’s Executive Director, Eddie Jarwolo, emphasized that decentralization brings decision-making closer to the people, making it essential for local leaders to engage directly with citizens to understand their needs.
“Effective local governance requires inclusive leadership,” Jarwolo said. “Engaging clan and district-level authorities ensures development reflects the real priorities of the people.”
Liberia has historically operated under a highly centralized system since its founding in 1847. That structure excluded most citizens from development planning and decision-making—conditions widely seen as contributing to the 14-year civil conflict. In response, the Local Government Act was passed in 2018 to promote participatory governance and local autonomy.
Given the relative novelty of the LGA, many citizens and local officials are still unfamiliar with its provisions. Naymote has been working to fill this gap by organizing town hall meetings and policy dialogues to raise awareness and deepen public understanding of the law and its role in local democracy and development.
Participants at the three recent dialogues praised the new structures and welcomed the increased engagement between county officials and communities. Many noted the importance of local ownership in decision-making and expressed optimism that the dialogues would strengthen democratic accountability and community empowerment.
The policy dialogues are part of Naymote’s broader local governance engagement, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Liberia in collaboration with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) and the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG).
