Liberia’s active participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) signifies its commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance. Deputy Minister Johnny S. Tarkpah’s presence at the 2025 OGP Africa and Middle East Region conference in Kenya underscored Liberia’s dedication to these principles. The conference, themed “Rebuilding Trust through Open Government,” provided a platform for African leaders to share best practices and innovative approaches to enhance governance through open government initiatives. Mr. Tarkpah’s role as a panelist and speaker highlighted Liberia’s contributions to the regional dialogue on open government and anti-corruption efforts.
Mr. Tarkpah’s address during the session on “Tackling Corruption through Data” emphasized the crucial role of inter-agency collaboration in managing beneficial ownership and public contracting. He advocated for utilizing the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) to streamline procurement processes and minimize corruption vulnerabilities. By sharing Liberia’s experiences and recommendations, Mr. Tarkpah contributed to the collective knowledge and potential solutions for tackling corruption across the African continent. His emphasis on data-driven approaches and technological solutions reflects a modern and proactive stance on anti-corruption efforts.
Liberia’s recent launch of its 5th National Action Plan further solidifies its commitment to the OGP principles. This plan, encompassing commitments from eight government ministries and agencies, outlines concrete steps towards achieving greater transparency and accountability. The two-year timeframe (2025-2027) provides a structured approach to implement reforms and monitor progress. The inclusion of multiple government entities signifies a whole-of-government approach to open government initiatives, ensuring broader impact and sustainability.
The engagement with the French Development Association (AFD) on the sidelines of the conference presents a promising opportunity for Liberia to further its good governance agenda. AFD’s expressed interest in collaborating with Liberia on reforms related to governance and accountability opens doors for technical assistance, capacity building, and potential financial support. This partnership signifies a broadening of AFD’s engagement beyond traditionally Francophone countries, recognizing Liberia’s commitment to reform and its potential as a partner in promoting good governance in the region.
The conference sessions provided valuable insights into the practical application of open government principles. The discussions around Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS), e-government procurement systems, beneficial ownership transparency, and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in anti-corruption efforts offered practical examples and lessons learned from various African countries. Showcasing case studies from Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, and Uganda provided concrete examples of how these tools can be implemented effectively at both national and subnational levels. The emphasis on local ownership and civil society engagement underscored the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches to open government reforms.
Liberia’s long-standing membership in the OGP since 2011 demonstrates its enduring commitment to the principles of open government. The OGP’s core aims of curbing corruption, enhancing good governance, and empowering civil society align with Liberia’s own national development priorities. The participation of a diverse delegation, including government representatives and civil society organizations such as Accountability Lab and Fly, highlights the collaborative nature of Liberia’s approach to open government. This partnership between government and civil society is crucial for ensuring that open government initiatives are responsive to citizens’ needs and contribute to meaningful change.
