The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Governance Commission say phase one of the County Council orientation workshop for seven counties which included Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, Rivergee, and Maryland have been concluded in Gbarnga, Bong County.
This program is part of the implementation of the Local Government Act, which became law in 2018.
The training program aims to strengthen local government officials and empower County Council Members with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively serve their communities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that over the next few weeks, the council members will undergo comprehensive training designed to equip them with essential skills and knowledge.
The MIA said expert trainers, including seasoned administrators, legal experts, and experienced politicians, will conduct workshops and lectures on various subjects including fiscal management, community development strategies, among others.
The MIA noted that it will introduce the Local Government Act to members of County Councils; provide a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of County Councils; explain the council’s relationship to County Administration and deepen the working relationship between County Administration and County Councils.
“The training will provide enabling environments and knowledge sharing for the newly elected county council members to address misunderstandings about the roles of the County Councils,” A release from the MIA said.
During the opening session, the chairman of the Governance Commission Hon. Garrison Yealue Jr., informed the participants and the public about significant improvements witnessed in Liberia’s governance system in recent years under the administration of President George Weah.
He highlighted the President’s role in providing the legal framework for decentralization through the enactment of the Local Government Act of 2018, as well as the Revenue Sharing Law of Liberia and other key legal instruments necessary for the rapid economic growth and development of the country.
The GCC chairman emphasized that the establishment of a county council in each county is rooted in the concept of promoting inclusive governance, transparency, and accountability at the local level. He reminded the participants that each council member represents a significant portion of the population with high expectations for the implementation and sustainability of local development projects and programs.
He noted that the council members hold positions of trust to promulgate county ordinances, approve the county budget annually, promote peace and reconciliation, approve the county development plan and its implementation, and authorize the issuance of certain licenses and operating permits designated by the Legislature in accordance with the law.
Mr. Yealue emphasized that the council members are not legislators but representatives of their respective counties at the county sitting.
“Your decisions regarding county development will largely originate from the districts, chiefdoms, clans, and towns as required by law,” chairman Yealue commented.
The council members’ primary responsibility is to ensure that county development plans prioritize the needs and priorities of the people.
They will also work closely with the County Superintendent and their team, as indicated in the Act.
Making remarks, UNDP-Liberia residence country representative, Louis Kuukpen, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Governance Commission for their efforts stating that the UNDP and its partners are currently supporting the Liberia Decentralization Support Program Phase II (LDSP II) 2023 and will continue to provide further support for the county council training program.
He acknowledged the establishment of County Councils (CCs) in the fifteen counties as a commendable accomplishment in line with Chapter 2 of the Local Government Act, which establishes local government structures.
The CCs are expected to promulgate county ordinances, impose local taxes, authorize the issuance of certain licenses, and approve development plans and annual budgets. These crucial responsibilities require continuous capacity building for CC members to enhance output and productivity.
He urged the council members to fulfill their duties with a high degree of responsibility in a positive manner for their respective counties and the country as a whole. He emphasized that the process should serve as another opportunity to strengthen Liberia’s peace and development initiatives.
At the close of the two-day workshop, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs for Research and Development Planning, Hon. Olayee Collins, certified the newly selected County Council members and called on them to be good examples and implored each council member to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and transparency.
He said, “Let your actions be a reflection of the principles and values that our society holds dear. Seek to understand the needs and aspirations of your people and work diligently towards meeting them with unwavering dedication.”
Min. Collins described the council members as torchbearers of progress and the voice of the people and cautioned them that their words and actions would have a profound influence on the lives of countless individuals and it is essential to exercise authority with humility and empathy.
Min. Collins however encouraged the CC to embrace inclusivity and actively engage with the diverse communities they represent, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
Chapter Two of the Local Government Act of 2018 defines the powers and authority of local government and highlights the importance of establishing local government structures. These structures include county councils and county administrations, as well as sub-county local governments comprising districts, chiefdoms, clans, towns, and municipalities.
The workshop brought together policymakers, international partners, seven county superintendents, civil society members, and citizens selected from various communities in the counties to serve on the individual county council teams. The training program will continue to its second phase in Buchanan City.