L-R: Grand Gedeh District #1 Rep. Sokan and NCSCL Chairperson Madam Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai
MONROVIA – The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has officially rejected a proposed amendment to the Local Government Act of 2018, introduced by Representative Jeremiah Sokan of Grand Gedeh County District 1.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The Council says the amendment undermines Liberia’s decentralization agenda, transparency, and citizen participation in local governance.
The proposed changes, which target subsections 2.2(e) and 2.2(f) of the Act — covering the approval of county development plans and budgets — have drawn strong opposition from the Council, which views them as a reversal of progress.
“This proposal represents a direct threat to the significant strides made in decentralization, citizens’ participation, and equitable revenue-sharing initiatives that are pivotal for effective local governance in our nation,” the NCSCL said in a statement.
The Council emphasized that decentralized governance is essential for Liberia’s development and stability, allowing citizens to have a say in decisions that directly impact their communities and giving local leaders the tools to address local challenges.
“The principles of decentralized governance are paramount in Liberia’s journey towards a stable, developed and democratic society. These principles empower citizens to participate actively in decisions that impact their communities and ensure local authorities have the resources and authority necessary for meaningful governance. The NCSCL is alarmed at the prospect of reverting to a centralized model, which has been historically linked to ineffective governance, conflict and instability that marred our past and undermined our national development,” the statement added.
NCSCL warned that the amendment reflects an intent to restore centralized control, which it described as a move against Liberia’s democratic gains. The Council noted that any such regression would damage public confidence and squander resources invested in strengthening local governance.
“This regression not only threatens the substantial investments made by both the Liberian government and international partners in decentralization efforts but also erodes public trust in institutions meant to serve them,” the Council stated.
The organization also cautioned that reverting to central control would impair service delivery in critical sectors.
“A centralized approach undermines the foundations of transparency and accountability, stifling the ability of local governments to effectively deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, food production and infrastructure. This shift would create barriers for communities to address their unique challenges and stifle innovation in local governance,” the Council warned.
In response, the NCSCL urged the 55th Legislature to protect the integrity of subsections 2.2(e) and 2.2(f), which it said are crucial for maintaining effective local governance. Repealing these provisions, it argued, would delay county-level progress and weaken development mechanisms.
Instead of altering these sections, the Council called on lawmakers and the Executive Branch to focus on strengthening local governance by establishing a standardized honorarium rate for County Council members—the bodies responsible for approving and implementing county development plans and budgets.
“Together, let’s strengthen our local governance and ensure that it serves the best interests of the people. We have a unique opportunity to foster growth and progress—let’s seize it and not undermine it!” the Council said.
It called on the 55th Legislature, led by House Speaker Richard Koon, to reject the proposed amendments and reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to decentralization and democratic governance.
“We must remain steadfast in our commitment to empower citizens, uphold democratic values, and promote a decentralized governance framework that honors the voices and aspirations of all Liberians,” the statement added.
