The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has organized a two-day County Development Validation Workshop.
This event is supported by the United Nations and the Government of Sweden and is taking place at the Gbarnga Administration Building in Bong County.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on November 15, 2024, in Gbarnga, Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Selena P. Mappy, spoke on behalf of Internal Affairs Minister Francis Sakila Nyumali.
She praised local leaders in Bong County for their commitment to the decentralization process. She said the effort is crucial for helping the government reach its development goals at the national level.
Madame Mappy expressed her happiness about being in the same hall where the decentralization platform was launched years ago.
She emphasized that this moment is a significant achievement for the citizens of Bong County, noting that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai is dedicated to bringing the government closer to the people through its decentralization policy.
The Deputy Minister maintained that the decentralization and local government acts have assigned many responsibilities to local leaders. These leaders play a key role in ensuring that their communities contribute to the national development agenda.
Further speaking, she said primary goal of the County Development Validation Workshop is to listen to the concerns of the citizens in Bong County. Madame Mappy stressed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is committed to understanding the challenges that hinder development in the county.
Additionally, Madame Mappy disclosed that the important part of the workshop is ensuring gender inclusion. She said that one of the main purposes of the Ministry is to provide women with the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding issues that affect their community’s progress.
Also addressing the gathering was Bill McGill Jones, the Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
He announced that the government is working on a new development plan called the ARREST Agenda.
According to Deputy Minister Jones, the ARREST Agenda will serve as Liberia’s fourth medium-term development plan, covering the period from 2025 to 2029. This plan aims to promote sustainable economic growth in the country, especially after years of conflict.
He assured the audience that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s government is building on previous development agendas, such as the PRO-POOR Agenda for prosperity and development. This continuity is essential for the country’s growth and stability.
The ARREST Agenda aligns with international goals, including the Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. These alignments show Liberia’s commitment to global development standards and treaties.
Furthermore, Deputy Minister Jones mentioned that the Supreme Court has requested the Ministry of Finance to conduct hearings on the national budget and other important developmental issues facing the country, citing that the process will ensure transparency and accountability in the management of national resources.
He encouraged local officials and participants to actively share their thoughts and stay engaged during the County Development Validation Exercise. Their input, according to him, is vital for the success of the workshop and the development of Bong County.
He described the workshop as a significant step in fostering dialogue between the government and local leaders, stating it serves as a platform for addressing community concerns and prioritizing development initiatives that will benefit the citizens of Bong County.
The Minister to that the workshop is a reflection of the government’s ongoing commitment to decentralization and local development. It aims to empower local leaders and ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard in the development process.
