By Precious D. Freeman
The Chairperson of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Johnny Tarkplah, led a one-day engagement session with residents from Grand Bassa and Bong Counties to raise awareness about the Government’s National Action Plan (NAP) and emphasize the importance of citizen participation in governance.
The engagement, held on Friday in Buchanan, aimed to foster transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making by encouraging active citizen involvement in the implementation of the fifth National Action Plan (NAP).
Speaking at the event, Tarkplah highlighted the critical role of citizen engagement and transparency in strengthening democratic governance.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between citizens, civil society, and the government to ensure effective implementation of the National Action Plan.
“The revitalization of the Open Government Partnership is key, and the government’s commitment to implementing the action plan in collaboration with citizens and civil society is stronger than ever. Your feedback is essential to ensure the success of this initiative,” Tarkplah said.
He further urged citizens to critique the plan, provide valuable input, and actively monitor its implementation over the next two years.
Beverly Allen from the OGP Secretariat also addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of women’s participation and community involvement in advancing transparency and accountability.
She reminded participants that Liberia joined the OGP in 2011 under the leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, with support from former U.S. President Barack Obama. Since then, Liberia has successfully implemented four National Action Plans, with the current initiative marking the fifth cycle.
“Women and citizens must work hand-in-hand to ensure transparency and accountability in government’s actions. Citizen engagement is not just a duty but a critical component in shaping government policies and initiatives,” Allen stressed.
Nancy Bryant, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude for the platform provided by the OGP team and highlighted the collective responsibility of citizens in tackling corruption and fostering accountability across all sectors, not just within the government.
“As we gather here today, I hope that the knowledge and activities we have engaged in will inspire us to take action in our own neighborhoods. Thank you to the team of OGP for empowering us with this knowledge,” Bryant stated.
The event brought together women’s groups, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders from Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties, fostering a collective commitment to good governance and civic engagement.
The OGP engagement underscored the necessity of citizen involvement in ensuring that government actions are transparent, accountable, and reflective of the people’s needs and priorities.
The session concluded with a renewed call for collaborative efforts in implementing the National Action Plan and ensuring that governance remains inclusive and citizen-centered.
