Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County – The Government of Liberia has hosted the third edition of its flagship Government Town Hall Program, “Kapa Kulono” (Come Let’s Talk It), aimed at informing Liberians about government policies and programs while fostering direct engagement between citizens and national leaders.
By J.H. Webster [email protected]
Organized by the Ministry of Information, the Legislative Edition of the Town Hall was held under the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Legislative Oversight, Citizen Engagement, and National Development under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).”
The event took place at the Fairground in Buchanan City and attracted hundreds of citizens, including traditional leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, students, members of the business community, civil society actors, and local government officials.
Delivering opening remarks, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah emphasized the importance of direct engagement between government officials and citizens, noting that while the government utilizes various communication platforms, opportunities for public feedback are often limited.
“We can use radio stations, we used Newspaper, we use different means to talk to you but sometimes when you’re doing it the very people you are talking to they don’t have the chance to ask you questions that is why we brought this program called the government town hall,” Minister Piah said.
He added: “Where we can bring these big big government people, they talk to your and yourself can ask them what in your hearts.”
The Town Hall featured an interactive panel discussion involving House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
Both leaders provided updates on the work of the National Legislature and responded to citizens’ concerns on issues including lawmaking, legislative oversight, budgetary priorities, accountability, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic growth.
During the discussion, Senator Lawrence praised Speaker Koon and members of the House of Representatives for passing the Port Authority and Port Autonomy Bills, describing the legislation as a major step toward decentralization and economic transformation in Grand Bassa County.
She expressed optimism that the county could soon attain “port city” status once the legislation is signed into law.
“If signed by the President and operations start, we will see why decentralization is about. Grand Bassa will surely be a port city,” Pro Tempore Lawrence said.
The Senate Pro Tempore further disclosed that a special economic zone is expected to be contracted to a new company, a development she believes will transform the county’s economy and create additional opportunities for citizens.
“This will bring about transformation, which will add value to the County’s economic programs, and jobs for the citizenry,” Senator Lawrence stated.
For his part, Speaker Koon provided a comprehensive overview of the work and achievements of the House of Representatives, highlighting key legislation passed by the House and the positive impact it will have on the lives of Liberians.
He reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to promoting national development through effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation, while outlining ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and service delivery.
The Speaker stressed that the House remains dedicated to ensuring that citizens’ voices and concerns are reflected in the legislative process.
Speaker Koon also commended the Ministry of Information for bringing government closer to the people through the Town Hall initiative, describing it as a vital platform for transparency, public participation, and direct engagement.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Information for creating this opportunity for government officials to engage citizens directly and provide updates on the development initiatives being undertaken across our country. Such engagements strengthen democracy and help build trust between the people and their government,” Speaker Koon said.
The Government Town Hall Program forms part of the Boakai administration’s broader efforts to improve public awareness, accountability, and citizen participation in governance through direct interaction with government officials and policymakers.
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