By Grace Q. Bryant
The government has officially launched its 5th Open Government Partnership (OGP) at Monrovia City Hall, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The OGP, first introduced in Liberia in 2011, is a global initiative aimed at promoting open governance and enhancing public participation in decision-making.
This latest launch marks another milestone in the country’s efforts to ensure that citizens actively contribute to policy discussions and hold their leaders accountable.
Senate Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in governance. She urged the public to take full advantage of the initiative while reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering transparency.
“This initiative is a key pillar of national development, aligning with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to transparency in governance. Citizen participation is crucial, and this 5th Open Government Partnership serves as a cornerstone for achieving that,” she said.
Karnga-Lawrence further stressed the need for legislative involvement beyond executive actions. She called on lawmakers to enhance legislative oversight by holding government institutions accountable for meeting transparency benchmarks, ensuring prudent management of public resources, and enforcing compliance with OGP commitments.
“A key focus is the enactment of progressive legislations to create a legal framework that fosters transparency, combats corruption, and enhances public participation,” she added.
She urged lawmakers to review and reinforce the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, advance whistleblower protection laws, and support digital governance policies that grant citizens greater access to government data.
Additionally, she called for adequate budgetary support to agencies implementing OGP initiatives, warning that insufficient funding could undermine the effectiveness of the open government agenda.
The need to facilitate greater public participation was also a key highlight of the event. The Legislature was encouraged to create more avenues for citizen engagement, including public hearings, community consultations, and digital platforms that enable real-time interactions between citizens and policymakers.
Lawmakers were urged to work closely with the Executive and Judiciary to align policies with OGP commitments and promote a whole-of-government approach to transparency and good governance.
In a strong call to action, lawmakers were reminded that the launch of the 5th National Action Plan must result in tangible legislative and policy measures.
The National Legislature has meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to championing the legal and oversight frameworks necessary to institutionalize open government principles in Liberia.
Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Jommy S. Tarkpah, who chairs the OGP Steering Committee, highlighted Liberia’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in achieving the initiative’s objectives.
“We appreciate the contributions of civil society organizations, the Liberia Business Registry, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in promoting accountability,” Tarkpah said.
The head of the OGP Secretariat, Ralph Jimmeh, reaffirmed that all partners are committed to ensuring contracts and agreements under the initiative remain open to public scrutiny.
“The Judiciary has also expressed its willingness to support the OGP, ensuring that all governance processes remain transparent,” Jimmeh stated.
The Minister of Information, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, described the launch as a significant milestone in Liberia’s national development agenda.
“This initiative fosters openness in governance and citizens’ participation. Today marks a turning point, and I commend my fellow ministers for their commitment to the Open Government Partnership,” he noted.
Piah also extended appreciation to Liberia’s Chief Justice for her dedication to the process, reinforcing the government’s pledge to uphold transparency and accountability.
Representing the OGP Global, Tarik Nesh-Nesh commended the Liberian government for its unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency.
“The government must remain committed to an open partnership with all stakeholders to ensure accountability in all sectors. Civil society, international partners, and citizens must be actively involved in the governance process,” Nesh-Nesh emphasized.
He further noted that the OGP serves as a promise to international partners, stakeholders, civil society organizations, and government institutions, reaffirming Liberia’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
With the launch of its 5th Open Government Partnership, Liberia takes another significant step toward promoting good governance, thereby ensuring that citizens play a vital role in shaping the country’s future.
