Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, with the generous support of the Embassy of Ireland, orchestrated a pivotal one-day training session dedicated to bolstering the capacities of over 50 local government officials hailing from Lower Bong County, Liberia. Themed “Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia,” this Local Governance Policy Dialogue served as a crucial platform, uniting a diverse spectrum of local stakeholders, including statutory district commissioners, city mayors, paramount and clan chiefs, influential women leaders, energetic youth representatives, and esteemed members of the County Council, representing the districts of Salala, Fuamah, Sanoyea, Konawolala, and Yelequelleh. This initiative is a significant component of Naymote’s broader strategic framework aimed at empowering local authorities to assume more impactful roles within Liberia’s evolving decentralization process, a process meticulously outlined in the landmark Local Government Act of 2018.
At the heart of the training was the imperative to equip local leaders with the indispensable tools and knowledge necessary for effective governance. Prince Cooper, Naymote’s Regional Program Officer, underscored the significance of the training, emphasizing the Local Government Act’s mandate, which vests the power for development in the hands of local leaders. He stressed that the training was meticulously designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of their multifaceted roles and responsibilities, ultimately enhancing their ability to deliver meaningful development initiatives at the grassroots level. Cooper further emphasized the critical link between empowering local leaders with a comprehensive understanding of governance principles, accountability mechanisms, and participatory development processes, and the successful realization of decentralization in Liberia. He urged the officials to proactively champion transparency, citizen engagement, and responsive governance within their communities.
Echoing these sentiments, Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote, highlighted the critical need for strengthened collaboration among local government officials, traditional leaders, and lawmakers. He underscored that the success of decentralization hinges on inclusive leadership and robust partnerships. Effective governance, he emphasized, demands the active participation of all stakeholders, particularly at the district and clan levels. Jarwolo further stressed the importance of constructive engagement between local officials and lawmakers, focusing on advocating for the needs of their constituents. He encouraged participants to think beyond reliance on national government allocations and explore innovative avenues for mobilizing local resources, fostering citizen participation, and attracting investment within their respective districts.
The training resonated deeply with the participants, who lauded it as timely and transformative. Sam Elliot, Bong County Administrative Officer, praised the initiative as a significant stride in the right direction, acknowledging its illuminating impact on critical aspects of local governance. He expressed gratitude to Naymote and the Embassy of Ireland for recognizing the crucial need for capacity building among local officials. Aaron Sackie-Fenlah, Chairperson of the Bong County Council, also commended the organizers for their inclusive approach to participant selection, emphasizing the practical application of the training’s lessons in ensuring the efficient implementation of development programs throughout the county. He urged participants to return to their communities with a renewed commitment to the decentralization process, emphasizing their collective duty to enhance service delivery and foster meaningful citizen engagement.
This training represents a significant milestone in Naymote’s ongoing commitment to deepening democratic governance in Liberia. By equipping local officials with comprehensive knowledge on decentralization, transparency, and citizen participation, Naymote aims to contribute to the development of a more accountable, inclusive, and responsive system of local governance. The training culminated in a powerful call to action, urging participants to translate their newfound knowledge into tangible improvements in service delivery, community mobilization, and the promotion of sustainable local development within their respective districts.
The Local Governance Policy Dialogue is part of a broader series of engagements orchestrated by Naymote, strategically designed to bridge the gap between national and local governance structures, ultimately ensuring that citizens have a greater voice in shaping the future of their communities. This commitment reflects Naymote’s dedicated efforts to empower local actors, foster effective governance, and promote participatory development across Liberia. The training embodies a significant investment in strengthening local capacity, promoting transparent and accountable governance, and ultimately contributing to the advancement of democratic principles at the grassroots level.
