MONROVIA — The Liberia Rebuilding Party (REBUILDERS) has called on the Boakai administration to deepen citizen participation in governance, warning that the success of ongoing development initiatives could be threatened if concerns surrounding transparency, accountability, healthcare delivery, and constitutional reform are not adequately addressed.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a statement issued Tuesday from its National Secretariat in Monrovia, the political institution said Liberia stands at a critical stage in its democratic and development journey, requiring government officials to prioritize public engagement and institutional accountability. The party emphasized that national development can only be sustained when citizens are actively involved in shaping policies and monitoring their implementation.
According to the statement, patriotism should not be measured solely by support for government actions or opposition to them, but by a collective commitment to ensuring that public institutions function effectively and serve the interests of all Liberians.
The party stressed that constructive criticism remains an essential component of democratic governance and should be welcomed rather than discouraged.
The REBUILDERS acknowledged several recent achievements recorded by the government, including the signing of a US$125 million World Bank-supported development package intended to improve digital connectivity, road infrastructure, and renewable energy access.
The party also welcomed reports regarding the restoration of a turbine at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, describing the development as a positive step toward strengthening Liberia’s energy sector and supporting economic growth.
However, the party cautioned that infrastructure investments alone would not guarantee national progress if governance institutions remain weak and public confidence in government decision-making continues to decline.
One of the issues highlighted in the statement was the recent dismissal of Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh. The party argued that the circumstances surrounding the envoy’s removal have generated public debate and raised questions about the extent to which government officials are free to express concerns regarding governance and integrity matters.
According to the party, public institutions perform best when officials are encouraged to speak openly about challenges affecting governance without fear of retaliation. It noted that a culture of openness and accountability strengthens public trust and contributes to improved service delivery across government agencies.
The statement further expressed concern over conditions within the country’s healthcare system. While acknowledging recent administrative changes at the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority, the party said many communities continue to struggle with limited access to essential medicines and medical supplies.
The REBUILDERS noted that residents in several rural areas frequently travel long distances in search of basic medications, a situation it described as unacceptable in a country seeking to improve healthcare outcomes. The party urged health authorities to focus greater attention on strengthening medicine distribution networks and ensuring that clinics and hospitals receive adequate supplies on a consistent basis.
The party also turned its attention to border management concerns, referencing reports from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission regarding the movement of Burkinabè nationals into certain forest regions of Liberia. According to the statement, the situation highlights broader concerns about border monitoring, land management, and the potential strain on local resources and host communities.
The REBUILDERS stressed that border security should not be viewed solely through a law enforcement lens but should also involve community participation, local government coordination, and sustainable resource management strategies. The party warned that failure to address emerging challenges in border communities could create future social and economic pressures.
Another major issue raised by the party was the ongoing constitutional reform process. While recognizing the importance of national dialogue, the REBUILDERS argued that efforts to review and reform the Constitution should extend far beyond discussions held in Monrovia.
The party maintained that constitutional reform is a matter of national significance that requires the voices of citizens from every county, district, and community. It called for a decentralized consultation process that would allow ordinary Liberians, including women, youth, traditional leaders, persons with disabilities, and rural residents, to contribute meaningfully to discussions about the country’s future governance framework.
“Constitutional reform must not become an exercise dominated by elites in the capital. Every Liberian deserves an opportunity to participate in conversations that will shape the laws and institutions governing future generations,” the statement noted.
As part of its recommendations, the party urged the government to enact stronger protections for whistleblowers and public servants who expose wrongdoing within institutions. It argued that effective anti-corruption efforts depend on creating an environment where individuals can report misconduct without fear of intimidation or professional consequences.
The REBUILDERS also proposed the establishment of more localized border management mechanisms, increased investment in healthcare delivery systems, and expanded civic education programs aimed at promoting public understanding of governance reforms and national development initiatives.
“The rebuilding of Liberia requires more than infrastructure projects and economic programs. It requires institutions that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of citizens. Sustainable development can only be achieved when government and citizens work together in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect,” the party stated.
The party emphasized that while disagreements on policy are inevitable in a democratic society, such differences should be managed through dialogue, respect for institutions, and a shared commitment to national progress. It maintained that Liberia’s future depends on the willingness of leaders and citizens alike to place the country’s interests above political divisions.
