The Liberian Senate has taken a significant step towards decentralization and strengthening local governance by repealing Chapter 25 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Title 12, Executive Law of 1972, Liberia Code of Law Revised, and replacing it with a new Chapter 25, establishing the Ministry of Local Government. This legislative action marks the culmination of efforts initiated in 2018 to align the legal framework with the 2018 Local Government Act and Revenue Sharing Law, providing a comprehensive operational structure for local governance in Liberia. The transition aims to empower local communities, enhance service delivery, and foster good governance at the grassroots level.
The newly established Ministry of Local Government will assume the responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, focusing on balanced socio-economic development, community empowerment, strengthened social service delivery, and the promotion of good governance principles. This includes fostering popular participation, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and access to justice at the local level. The ministry will also play a crucial role in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and national integration efforts, ensuring sustainable peace, development, and political stability across the country. This shift signifies a move towards greater local autonomy and a more effective, responsive system of governance.
The transition from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Local Government is designed to be seamless, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption. During this period, existing employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will retain their positions, with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Assistant Ministers continuing in their current roles within the newly established Ministry of Local Government until new nominations are made by the President. This approach guarantees stability during the restructuring process and allows for a smooth transfer of responsibilities and functions to the new ministry.
The establishment of the Ministry of Local Government represents a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey towards decentralization and enhanced local governance. By providing a dedicated institutional framework for local government operations, the new ministry is poised to facilitate more effective and responsive service delivery, empower local communities, and strengthen democratic processes at the grassroots level. This move is expected to bring governance closer to the people, fostering greater participation and accountability.
The long-awaited passage of this amendment signals a commitment to strengthening local governance and promoting more inclusive and participatory development in Liberia. The new ministry is expected to play a pivotal role in translating national policies into tangible benefits for local communities, fostering peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development across the country. The integration of peacebuilding and reconciliation into the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government further underscores the importance of local-level initiatives in achieving lasting peace and stability.
The creation of the Ministry of Local Government addresses the long-standing need for a dedicated institution to oversee and support local governance structures. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness of local government operations, empower local communities, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable development trajectory for Liberia. By streamlining the legal framework and clarifying responsibilities, the new ministry provides a solid foundation for strengthening local governance and promoting greater citizen engagement in the development process.
