Liberian leader Joseph Boakai is giving fresh impetus to his nation’s push for decentralisation.
Boakai Thursday presided over his administration’s first Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralisation Meeting held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town and highlighted the importance of advancing the decentralization program in Liberia to improve service delivery to all citizens.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to driving the decentralisation program forward by outlining specific measures to overcome the challenges hindering the decentralization reform efforts.
He highlighted the need to implement the Revenue Sharing Act, particularly Chapter 7.2, which calls for the retention of 40% of all revenues generated at County Service Centers.
This step, the President lamented, aims to address financial challenges that have affected the efficient operations of the County Service Centers.
Additionally, he directed all sector ministries, agencies, and commissions related to the County Service Centers to devolve approvals and signing authorities to their respective representatives at the subnational level.
This Inter-Ministerial Meeting was in furtherance of his message in his State of the Nation Address on January 29, 2024, in which he informed the nation about, amongst other things, his Legislative Agenda which included the Bill seeking for the establishment of the Ministry of Local Government.
He pointed out that the creation of that ministry is aimed at advancing modalities to operationalise the Local Government Act passed in 2018 and to drive the government’s decentralisation program.
The Liberian leader said the decision intends to enhance service delivery and reduce transaction costs for citizens, eliminating the need for them to travel to Monrovia for signatories and documentation processes.
He further expressed gratitude to the leadership of the different ministries and encouraged them to strengthen coordination, even at the county level, to contribute to the cumulative impact of the decentralisation program.
He also acknowledged the continuous support of development partners and sought stronger collaboration and coordination as the government continues the decentralisation journey in the best interest of the citizens of Liberia.
President Boakai concluded by emphasising government’s commitment to the decentralisation program and encouraged unity and collaboration in building a better Liberia.
He expressed a strong political will to advance the decentralisation program, signaling a pivotal step towards enhancing governance at the subnational level and improving service delivery for the people of Liberia.
WN/as/APA