Liberia, a nation burgeoning with potential yet marred by historical challenges, finds itself at a crossroads of governance.
By: Austin S Fallah-Public Policy, Public Administration and Government Enthusiast:
The decision to either create more regulatory agencies or endorse tenured positions is paramount to its future progress.
This discourse argues in favor of the former, contending that regulatory agencies are indispensable to the smooth running of government and the enforcement of rules for public welfare.
The creation of regulatory agencies is marked by three cardinal attributes, 1. robust enforcement, 2. efficient government operation, and 3. public welfare orientation.
Together, these underpin the essence of effective governance.
Conversely, tenured positions often result in personnel complacency, and reduced productivity, and are less adapted to serve emergent public needs.
Regulatory agencies are engines for enforcing rules and regulations, ensuring disparity between de jure and de facto is minimized.
Citing the US Federal Communications Commission as an example, we see a structure that is potent in enforcing regulations for fair play in the communication industry.
In Liberia, a country itching to heal from past wounds and push forward, agencies like these will help to enforce laws that safeguard public interest against the whims of few.
Moreover, the potential for regulatory bodies to enhance the efficiency of the government is immense.
They help to streamline standard procedures by establishing clear guidelines.
Contrastingly, tenured positions often revolve around singular perspectives, whereas prolonged incumbent positions may breed inefficiency due to a lack of fresh ideas.
Regulatory agencies, however, offer the knack for periodic transitions to infuse dynamism, and hence efficiency into operational proceedings.
Furthermore, the mandate of regulatory agencies is inherently oriented towards public welfare.
They exist to regulate and safeguard the public’s interests.
In Liberia, a regulatory body could be established for the healthcare sector to guide private providers to adhere to established rules and enhance service quality.
Tenured positions, on the other hand, do not inherently contain mechanisms to ensure public welfare.
Their focus could divagate to personal longevity in position, resulting in the potential mishandling of public resources.
However, critics of regulatory agencies may argue that they could be prone to corruption, and establishing them could symbolize centrism, thereby undermining Liberia’s nascent democracy.
However, the level of transparency could be enhanced through mechanisms such as public audits, transparent appointment procedures, and independent oversight mechanisms that could stymie the likelihood of corruption.
As for concerns of centrism, building a democracy isn’t about total decentralization, and it necessitates a balanced, well-functioning governance system that caters to public welfare whilst maintaining operational efficiency.
The creation of regulatory agencies in Liberia, when juxtaposed with tenured positions, offers more room for public-oriented governance.
Their enforcement capabilities, operational efficiency, and potential to protect public interest make them indispensable edifices of modern governance.
While the relevance of tenured positions can not be underestimated, Liberia’s path toward progress should be dominated by structures that offer consistency, dependability, and accountability.
Thus, Liberia must emphasize the establishment of regulatory agencies for the future vitality of the nation