Liberia: CDG, CENTAL, and Naymote Launch $1.5 Million Project to Enhance Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia
Monrovia—In a significant stride towards bolstering democratic governance in Liberia, the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG), the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and Naymote Partners for Democratic Development have officially launched a $1.5 million initiative aimed at “Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia.”
By: Francis G. Boayue, francisg.boayue@frontpageafricaonline.com
The project is supported by the Irish government and various local civil society organizations.
The program was launched on Tuesday, November 11, and spans three years, from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027.
It will focus on activities in Bong, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties, with funding provided by Irish Aid. The effort will be executed by the CSO Governance Consortium, including the CDG, Naymote, and CENTAL.
Mr. Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of CENTAL, outlined the collaboration’s goals, emphasizing its focus on enhancing political accountability and transparency over the next three years.
The project aims to strengthen democratic governance within the targeted regions while aligning with national engagements for effective governance.
Mr. Miamen highlighted three key objectives of the initiative, including increasing citizens’ demand for accountability, amplifying public engagement in the management of national resources—and fostering dialogue between the government and local communities to enhance participation in decision-making processes.
Additionally, the initiative aims to improve oversight of revenue sharing, ensuring that resources are equitably distributed between central and local governments.
The consortium has set an ambitious target of reaching at least 10,000 individuals, ensuring equal representation across gender and addressing the needs of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities.
Mr. Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote, welcomed stakeholders and emphasized the importance of local governance capacity.
“Localization is taking root globally, and we look forward to strengthening local institutions,” he stated.
He acknowledged partners, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and various civil society organizations, for their support.
The project signifies a commitment to transparency and accountability; the consortium plans to keep the community informed about its progress and resource utilization.
Gerard Considine, the Irish Ambassador to Liberia, stressed the need for stronger governance and transparency as drivers for sustainable development.
In his remarks, he laid out a strategic plan for 2024-2028, focusing on critical areas such as governance enhancement, gender equality, food security, and climate action.
“Accountable institutions, underpinned by strong governance and adherence to the rule of law, are vital for achieving transformative development that reaches those who are furthest behind,” Ambassador Considine remarked.
He also acknowledged the essential role of the European Union and national integrity institutions in these efforts, stating, “Ireland recognizes the importance of partnering with civil society to bolster accountability in governance.”
The initiative aims to engage a diverse array of stakeholders, including youth, women, minority groups, and community-based organizations (CBOs), along with policymakers from key government institutions like the MIA, the Governance Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Concluding the event, the Ambassador expressed optimism about the involvement of various government agencies in ongoing discussions, noting that inclusive participation in governance can significantly influence resource allocation and improve public service delivery for all Liberians.
He emphasized the need for a united front in pursuing Liberia’s development goals, particularly through good governance, as outlined in the government’s draft development plan, “Arrest for Inclusive Development.”
“We look forward to working in partnership to achieve our shared goals of transparent and accountable leadership,” he affirmed, underscoring the collective commitment to advancing Liberia’s growth.
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