By Grace Q. Bryant
The Government of Liberia, through the Office of the President, has initiated a groundbreaking performance appraisal of public institutions aimed at improving service delivery, efficiency, and accountability.
The initiative, the first of its kind in the country’s history, was announced by Nathaniel T. Kwabo, Director General of the President’s Cabinet, during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT).
According to Kwabo, since October 2024, the government has been working to institutionalize a culture of performance management. Over 90 public institutions have set clear performance targets and signed performance contracts with the President, which will serve as key benchmarks for assessing their progress in implementing priority programs focused on governance reforms, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
“This process is not just about assessment; it is about fostering a new era of governance where transparency, accountability, and measurable results are prioritized,” Kwabo stated.
The performance appraisal will follow a structured timeline: March 10 – Deadline for institutions to submit self-assessment reports, March 17–26 – Verification and evaluation of reports by a central review team, March 28 – Submission of the final performance report to the President and May 31 – Public announcement of results, with recognition of high-performing institutions.
Kwabo clarified that the assessment does not measure overall institutional performance but rather evaluates progress toward specific targets outlined in the Performance Management Contracts (PMCs) and agreements with the President.
The performance appraisal aligns with the government’s National Development Plan, which seeks to drive economic growth, social transformation, and institutional reforms. By tracking progress, the government aims to make data-driven decisions to improve public service delivery.
“This is not a one-time exercise; it is part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening performance tracking, improving governance, and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently,” Kwabo emphasized.
He urged all government institutions to fully cooperate by submitting accurate performance reports on time. Transparency and accountability, he noted, are essential to building public trust in the government’s reform agenda.
“As we shape a new era of governance, institutions must uphold their responsibilities. The Liberian people deserve a government that delivers on its promises,” he concluded.
With this initiative, the Liberian government is reinforcing its commitment to accountability and service delivery. The results of the appraisal will not only highlight institutional progress but also serve as a benchmark for future governance reforms.