Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, with support from the Embassy of Ireland, conducted a one-day intensive training session for over 50 local government officials from Lower Bong County.
By Edwin N. Khakie
Held on Friday under the theme “Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia”, the Local Governance Policy Dialogue brought together a diverse group of local actors, including statutory district commissioners, city mayors, paramount and clan chiefs, women leaders, youth representatives, and members of the County Council from Salala, Fuamah, Sanoyea, Konawolala, and Yelequelleh districts.
The initiative is part of Naymote’s broader efforts to empower local authorities to play more meaningful roles in Liberia’s decentralization process, as outlined in the Local Government Act of 2018.
Prince Cooper, Naymote’s Regional Program Officer, provided an overview of the event and emphasized the importance of equipping local leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to govern effectively.
“The Local Government Act has vested the power in you to lead your development efforts,” Cooper said. “This training is designed to help you understand your roles and responsibilities and to enhance your ability to deliver meaningful development at the local level.”
Cooper noted that empowering local leaders with a clear understanding of governance, accountability, and participatory development processes is essential for the realization of decentralization in Liberia. He also called on the officials to take proactive steps toward improving transparency, citizen engagement, and responsiveness in their communities.
“After the training, we expect you to be more transparent, accountable, and actively involved in discussions around community development priorities,” he added. “Local governance is the foundation of national development.”
Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between local government officials, traditional leaders, and lawmakers.
“Decentralization cannot succeed without inclusive leadership and strong partnerships,” Jarwolo said. “Effective governance requires the participation of all actors, especially at the district and clan levels. Your engagement with your lawmakers should be constructive and focused on advocating for the needs of your people.”
Jarwolo urged the participants to not rely solely on national government allocations, but to explore innovative ways to mobilize local resources, encourage citizen participation, and attract investment in their respective districts.
Several attendees hailed the training as timely and transformative. Sam Elliot, Bong County Administrative Officer, praised the initiative as a step in the right direction.
“This training has opened our eyes to many critical aspects of local governance,” Elliot said. “We are grateful to Naymote and the Embassy of Ireland for recognizing the need to build our capacity.”
Aaron Sackie-Fenlah, Chairperson of the Bong County Council, also commended the organizers for the inclusive approach taken in selecting participants. He stressed that the lessons learned from the training would be applied to ensure the efficient implementation of development programs across the county.
“We must all now return to our communities with renewed commitment to the decentralization process,” Sackie-Fenlah noted. “We have a duty to work collectively to improve service delivery and citizen engagement.”
The training marks a significant milestone in Naymote’s ongoing efforts to deepen democratic governance in Liberia. By equipping local officials with knowledge on decentralization, transparency, and citizen participation, the organization hopes to contribute to building a more accountable, inclusive, and responsive system of local governance.
The event concluded with a call to action for participants to return to their districts and begin applying the knowledge gained to improve service delivery, mobilize communities, and promote sustainable local development.
Naymote’s Local Governance Policy Dialogue is part of a series of engagements aimed at bridging the gap between national and local governance and ensuring that citizens have a greater voice in shaping their communities’ future. Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
