GBARNGA, Bong County — In an effort to minimize public corruption and bolster good governance, a consortium of civil society organizations, including Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and Center for Democratic Governance on Thursday launched a new project titled: “Strengthening Political Accountability in Liberia.”
By Emmanuel Ballah, Contributing Writer
Sponsored by the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid, the project seeks to strengthen political accountability, transparency, and democratic governance in Liberia.
Strengthening Political Accountability in Liberia is a three-year project, spanning September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027. The project will be implemented in three counties, including Bong, Margibi and Grand Bassa counties.
Speaking during the official launch of the project in Gbarnga on November 14, 2024, Naymote’s Executive, Eddie D. Jarwolo, said, the project is tailored to increase demands for political accountability in the management of the country’s resources, increase citizens’ voices in local decision-making processes by promoting dialogues between the government and local communities.
“It is about political accountability, transparency and democratic governance. All the resources in this country are for the Liberian people; we only voted for people to manage us and manage our resources,” Jarwolo said.
In addition, the Naymote’s boss averred that the project also seeks to increase CSO oversight of equitable revenue-sharing between central and local governments.
He noted that the project is expected to achieve three key outcomes, including ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged about corruption issues and hold those in power to account, increased citizens’ participation in local government’s development policies and programs and making sure that citizens benefit from resources generated at the county level.
“So we will be looking at the county development agenda, the revenue cost sharing, what government said it’s going to do and how the people benefit from the county development fund.”
Eddie called on Bongese to take ownership of the project and ensure that the government delivers on its commitments.
Performing the official launching ceremony, Bong County Superintendent, Loleyah Hawa Norris, embraced the project, noting that the project will strengthen good governance in the county.
Superintendent Norris called for collaboration between the county administration and civil society organizations in the county, while calling on civil society actors not to dwell on speculations but reach out to the county administration for clarity on issues unfolding in the county.
Supt. Norris stated that: “we will ask that if the CSOs have problem with the government it will be good that you come to us and get correct information before engaging the public.”
She expressed her administration’s willingness to work with the implementing partners in ensuring the successful implementation of the project in Bong County.
The launching ceremony gathered district commissioners, persons with disabilities, students, women and youth groups, who applauded Naymote and implementing partners for promoting transparency and democratic governance in Liberia.
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