Liberia: Ministry of Internal Affairs Announces Expiration of Chief Zanzan Karwor’s Tenure as Chairman of Traditional Council

MONROVIA- Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin has announced the expiration of Chief Zanzan Karwor’s tenure as head of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia and announced a major initiative aimed at strengthening local governance in Liberia. 

Minister Nyumalin over the weekend in a press conference held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said “Chief Zanzan Karwor is no longer the Chief of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia.” 

According to Minister Nyumalin, from Monday, August 5 to Friday, August 9, 2024, in Ganta City, Nimba County, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will begin a workshop on the establishment of the National Council of Chiefs of Liberia.

He said, during this session, the 15 chairpersons of the county Council of chiefs will elect their national chairperson and other leadership positions within the National Council of Chiefs. This new body will replace the former National Traditional Council of Chiefs & Elders, previously led by Chief Zanzan Karwor.

According to him, in addition to the elections for the National Council of Chiefs, elections will also be held for the National Superintendent Council and the City Mayor-Council.

“To ensure the transparency and fairness of these elections, the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the National Civil Society Council of Liberia will oversee the process at the weeklong Orientation and Capacity Building workshop with an aim to strengthen local governance in Liberia. 

He said: “The workshop, which will begin with the arrival of participants on Sunday, August 4, is set to be inaugurated by the Vice President of Liberia, Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who will deliver the opening address.

“This comprehensive orientation is designed to equip recently appointed local government officials and personnel with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively perform their duties as stipulated by the Local Government Act of 2018.

“Over 250 participants are expected to attend, representing all 15 counties. These include superintendents, county administrative officers, county development officers, county finance officers, city mayors, chairpersons of the county councils, county service center coordinators, county personnel analysts, chairpersons of the county council of chiefs, and vice chairpersons of the county council of chiefs.

“Senior officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the Minister, Deputy, and Assistant Ministers, as well as the National Peace Ambassador and key heads of sections within the Ministry, will also be present.

“The primary goal of the workshop is to enhance participants’ understanding of the Local Government Act of 2018, decentralization reforms, and the revenue-sharing law. The agenda includes sessions on local government payroll management, civil service standing orders, asset declaration, and conflict of interest compliance. Presentations will be delivered by experts from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, covering topics such as the Public Financial Law, procurement processes, and internal audit procedures.

“These sessions are designed to ensure that local government officials are well-prepared to handle their responsibilities efficiently and transparently.

“The orientation and elections will conclude with a formal induction ceremony on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Monrovia. His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will preside over the ceremony, officially inducting the newly elected leaders of the National Council of Chiefs, the Superintendent Council, and the Mayor-Council into office.

“This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to implement decentralization reforms and advance the ARREST Agenda of Liberia. The agenda aims to enhance local governance and promote sustainable development across the country. By providing local government officials with the necessary training and resources, the Ministry is laying the groundwork for effective local governance, transparency, and national development.

“Members of the Legislature, development partners, and the media have been invited to participate in this significant event. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reaffirms its commitment to the successful rollout of decentralization reforms and the continuous improvement of governance in Liberia,” Minister Nyumalin said.