The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with the World Bank, has embarked on a transformative journey towards enhanced governance, transparency, and accountability with the launch of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation Project (GREAT Project). This ambitious six-year initiative, backed by a US$20 million investment, aims to revolutionize public service delivery, bolster tax revenue collection, and foster a culture of transparency across the nation. The project signifies a critical step towards a more robust and accountable Liberia, promising to streamline government operations and enhance citizen engagement.
The GREAT Project encompasses a multifaceted approach to governance reform. Central to this initiative is the modernization of Liberia’s national data center. This upgrade will consolidate government data servers, fostering interoperability among various platforms and systems used across different ministries and agencies. This integrated approach will facilitate seamless data sharing and analysis, enabling more efficient and informed decision-making. Furthermore, the project will strengthen existing counter service centers under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, improving access to essential public services for citizens.
A significant component of the GREAT Project is the focus on digital identification. The initiative aims to fund the mass registration and issuance of digital IDs for two million Liberians. This comprehensive digital identification system will not only improve service delivery but also contribute to enhanced security and transparency in various sectors, including voting, financial transactions, and access to social programs. The project also aims to support the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) in integrating its systems with other government platforms, streamlining tax collection processes and expanding property tax initiatives. This effort is crucial for increasing government revenue and enabling greater investment in essential public services.
Recognizing the importance of legislative oversight, the GREAT Project will support the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the 55th Legislature in enhancing its capacity to review audit reports and recommendations from the General Auditing Commission (GAC). A digital audit recommendation follow-up tracking system will be established within the PAC to facilitate more effective monitoring and implementation of audit findings. The GAC will also benefit from digital tools to track recommendations and conduct follow-ups through a modern audit management system. These measures will strengthen accountability and ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
The project’s focus on procurement transparency is another crucial aspect of promoting good governance. By improving transparency in procurement processes, the government aims to ensure value for money and minimize the risk of corruption. This will free up resources that can be directed towards critical development priorities, such as education, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. The GREAT Project, therefore, represents a holistic approach to governance reform, addressing key challenges and promoting sustainable development.
The launch of the GREAT Project was met with enthusiastic support from both government officials and international partners. Acting World Bank Country Manager, Oyewole Afuye, commended the Liberian government for its commitment to the project and emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. He expressed confidence that the project would contribute significantly to achieving greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public institutions, ultimately benefiting the people of Liberia. Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Sekou Kromah, speaking on behalf of beneficiary institutions, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism that the project would significantly reduce waste in public sector processes and enhance accountability. The GREAT Project underscores the Liberian government’s dedication to building a stronger, more transparent, and efficient nation, paving the way for sustainable development and improved citizen well-being.
