TOTOTA AND PHEBE, BONG COUNTY – In a continued effort to strengthen communication between government and citizens, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, Bill McGill Jones, on Saturday ended a county-wide community engagement exercise at the Phebe Airstrip in Suakoko District after beginning the outreach in Totota, Lower Bong County.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The engagement, which formed part of the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, provided an opportunity for residents to receive updates on national development initiatives while sharing concerns affecting their communities.
The initiative brought together local leaders, women, youth groups, traditional authorities, and residents to discuss government programs, development priorities, and challenges facing communities across Bong County.
Speaking during the engagement, Jones stressed the importance of direct communication between government officials and citizens, noting that the exercise was intended to provide accurate information on government achievements while listening to the concerns of local people.
He highlighted several ongoing and planned development projects under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, including the construction of a regional referral hospital, a convention center in Suakoko, road rehabilitation initiatives, water supply projects, improvements at Phebe and C.B. Dunbar hospitals, and increased support for education at Cuttington University, Bong County University, and technical and vocational training institutions, among others.
Jones also encouraged young people to pursue technical and vocational skills to better position themselves for employment opportunities, especially as government infrastructure and development projects continue to expand across the country.
“As a government, we recognize that meaningful development cannot be achieved from Monrovia alone. We must continue to engage our citizens directly, hear their concerns firsthand, and work collaboratively to find practical solutions. These interactions are critical because they help bridge the gap between policy formulation and the realities our people experience on a daily basis,” Jones said.
He further emphasized that the government’s development agenda extends beyond the construction of roads and public facilities, noting that empowering citizens with information remains a critical component of national development.
According to him, communities that are well informed about government programs are better positioned to participate in decision-making processes and to hold public officials accountable for service delivery.
Jones told participants that President Boakai’s administration remains committed to ensuring that no county is left behind in the national development process. He noted that government institutions have been encouraged to increase outreach efforts across the country in order to ensure that citizens understand the policies, programs, and opportunities available to them.
“The ARREST Agenda is fundamentally about improving the lives of ordinary Liberians. Whether it is through better healthcare services, improved educational opportunities, enhanced infrastructure, or increased economic opportunities, the government remains focused on delivering tangible results that citizens can see and benefit from. Our responsibility is not only to implement these programs but also to explain them clearly to the people we serve,” Jones stated.
The Deputy Minister also urged residents to remain peaceful and supportive of development initiatives taking place within their respective communities. He stressed that sustainable development requires collective effort and that citizens, local leaders, and government institutions must work together to ensure that projects are protected and successfully implemented for the benefit of future generations.
“We want every citizen to feel that they are a valued stakeholder in national development. The government belongs to the people, and every Liberian has a role to play in shaping the future of our country. Through forums like these, we are building stronger relationships between leadership and citizens while promoting trust, transparency, and accountability,” Jones added.
As part of his commitment to strengthening community engagement, the Deputy Minister announced a contribution of L$100,000 to support local transportation and logistical needs during the Totota event, as well as L$50,000 for citizens who gathered at the Women’s Center near the Phebe Airstrip.
He further urged residents to remain united and actively participate in development initiatives within their communities.
Participants welcomed the initiative and praised the government for creating a platform that allowed ordinary citizens to engage directly with senior officials.
“We are grateful to Deputy Minister Bill McGill Jones for coming to our community and speaking directly with us. Too often, government information remains in the cities, but today we were given the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and receive answers. This is the kind of engagement that strengthens democracy and helps citizens feel included in national affairs,” said one community representative in Totota.
Another participant at the Phebe gathering described the outreach as a significant step toward strengthening public trust in government institutions.
“Many people hear about government projects on the radio, but they rarely have the chance to interact directly with officials responsible for implementing those policies. Deputy Minister Jones deserves commendation for taking the time to visit our communities, listen to our concerns, and provide detailed information about the government’s plans for Bong County and the country as a whole,” the participant noted.
