By Bill W. Cooper
Government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and partners, has held a one-day Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group (FTAG) meeting aimed at ensuring fiscal transparency and public participation in the country’s budget process.
The meeting, which was attended by 67 stakeholders of 48 males and 19 females from various sectors, also aimed to address the challenges and opportunities in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.
The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Finance, with support from USAID-Liberia, USAID Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD), and the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP) Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT) program.
Furthermore, the initiative, which comprised of in-person meetings and workshops, started from March 18 and will end on March 22, 2024, aimed to introduce and discuss the project’s objectives, and to present the recently concluded fiscal transparency and public participation technical assessment.
During the meeting, Deputy Finance Minister for Budget, Tanneh Brunson, highlighted the importance of fiscal transparency in promoting good governance and sustainable development.
Minister Brunson who is also the FTAG Chairperson, emphasized the need for increased transparency in budgeting, revenue collection, and expenditure, to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
It includes strengthening the capacity of government institutions, improving the legal and regulatory framework, ensuring capacity building training for employees, and promoting citizen engagement in the budget process, among others.
She, at the same time, pledged the government of President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to implementing reforms that would enhance fiscal transparency and accountability, including public participation in the national budget across the country.
Madam Tenneh added, “On this note, I would like to stress that it is important to adhere to the 2005 Paris Declaration to ensure effectiveness and ownership. To an extent, government has developed institutional capacities. However, our current fiscal space needs to be expanded to enable us to implement key recommendations from partners.”
“Therefore, I would end by restating that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, takes seriously Fiscal Transparency initiatives, and as such, I would like to reassure you all of the Government’s commitment of continuously supporting efforts like these for the betterment of Liberia, its people, as well as all other residents,” she asserted.
Earlier, GIFT Network Manager, Raquel Ferreira, said her organization was proud to reaffirm its commitment to supporting Liberia’s journey toward enhanced fiscal openness, and with USAID-LEAD, they are able to build on the gains from the FOA project, and we all stand poised to address the challenges that lie ahead.
According to her, GIFT remains steadfast in providing support, bringing global best practices, experience, perspectives, and in making the relevant tools they have developed over the years freely available, such as their course on Advancing Fiscal Transparency for Development, to support Liberia’s efforts toward making public budgets more open, inclusive, and accountable.
She added, “We are honored to be part of this transformative journey with you, dedicated to assisting you in every possible way. In closing, we extend our deepest gratitude to the USAID and the MFDP for their support and leadership, and to all stakeholders involved in this transformative endeavor.”
“Together, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Liberians, and as such, let us seize this moment with unwavering resolve, united in our commitment to realizing the vision of a more transparent, responsive, and inclusive public budget for the people of Liberia,” Madam Ferreira noted.
For his part, USAID-LEAD Chief of Party, George Aki, said fiscal transparency and public participation are not just aspirations, but imperatives for building inclusive, accountable, and prosperous societies, and as such, it is key for stakeholders to strive and embrace these principles and work together towards a brighter future for Liberia.
According to him, governments often face significant challenges related to weak institutions and socio- economic disparities, but embracing fiscal transparency and public participation can strengthen governance structures and institutions, fostering trust between citizens and governments.
He added that enhanced economic stability can attract foreign investment by demonstrating a commitment to accountable fiscal management, stressing the need to empower citizens, particularly marginalized groups, by giving them a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Meanwhile, several participants thanked the government and partners for the meeting, pledging their support for the government’s efforts to promote fiscal transparency, with emphasis on the importance of collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to achieve meaningful results.
