The Liberian government, recognizing the pervasive challenge of misinformation and the imperative need for transparent and accountable governance, launched a novel initiative, “The Government Town Hall – Kakpa Kulon No” (Come, Let’s Talk It…), designed to bridge the communication gap between the government and its citizens. This initiative aims to foster inclusiveness, transparency, access to information, and participatory governance by creating a platform for direct engagement between government officials and the public in a town hall setting. The underlying objective is to decentralize government communication, bringing governance closer to the grassroots level and empowering citizens to actively participate in the nation-building process.
The inaugural town hall, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congotown, focused on the theme “Smart Spending, Shared Growth: Building an Inclusive Liberia under the AAID.” This theme underscored the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and equitable distribution of resources under the Agenda for Accelerated Institutional Delivery (AAID). The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including high-ranking government officials, senators, representatives from international organizations, community leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the public. This diverse participation underscored the inclusive nature of the initiative and its commitment to engaging all segments of Liberian society.
A key component of the launch event was a panel discussion centered on “Transforming Budget and Policies for Equitable Progress.” Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan and Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah led the discussion, providing insights into the AAID, budget allocation, revenue mobilization strategies, fair taxation practices, and support mechanisms for grassroots and small businesses. This open dialogue allowed for a deeper understanding of the government’s fiscal policies and their implications for various sectors of the economy.
The interactive nature of the town hall format provided a unique opportunity for citizens to directly engage with government officials, offering feedback, posing questions, and expressing concerns. Issues raised included the government’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, resource allocation priorities, and the budget allocated to education. The panellists addressed these questions and concerns, demonstrating the government’s commitment to responsiveness and accountability. This direct engagement fostered a sense of ownership and partnership between the government and its citizens, creating a collaborative approach to addressing national challenges.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, officially launching the initiative, emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of the people whom the government serves. She acknowledged the diversity of perspectives within Liberia and stressed the need for ongoing dialogue to bridge these differences and foster a shared vision for the nation’s future. Minister Nyanti highlighted the concept of inclusive governance, emphasizing the importance of involving all citizens in the development process, recognizing that every country faces its own unique set of challenges. The “Come Let’s Talk” initiative, she noted, is not about claiming perfection but about fostering open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah, in his opening address, underscored the historical significance of town hall meetings in Liberia, tracing their roots back to the presidency of William R. Tolbert. He emphasized the evolution of this tradition to meet the changing needs of the citizenry, recognizing the public’s desire for direct engagement with their leaders. The Government Town Hall, he explained, is designed to broaden the public’s understanding of government policies and processes, promoting transparency and accountability. He further called for support from the government, international partners, and NGOs to sustain and expand the program, ensuring its long-term impact on fostering open governance and strengthening the relationship between the government and its citizens. The launch event also included remarks from various dignitaries, including ambassadors and community leaders, who expressed their support for the initiative and emphasized the importance of dialogue and accountability in building a stronger and more inclusive Liberia. A video documentary showcasing government projects and policies further highlighted the administration’s achievements and reinforced its commitment to transparency.
