Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and with support from the United Nations and the Government of Sweden, wrapped up consultation meetings with district and county authorities on Thursday to discuss the creation of the county development agenda and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Working together with multiple ministries, agencies, and important stakeholders, the consultation document for Montserrado County was modified between July 22 and August 15, 2024, during the closing ceremony at the William Richard Tolbert, III, Christian Fellowship Hall in Bentol City, Montserrado County. The goal of consultations was to hear county residents’ opinions about development that should be prioritized and carried out in their local communities.
A broad spectrum of participants, including women’s groups, youth organizations, traditional chiefs and elders, local government officials, business leaders, people with disabilities, and Liberians living abroad, participated in these consultations that were held concurrently in all 15 counties.
Priority topics for the Liberian government’s only intervention talks included health, TVET and programmatic education, and paved roads. Among the other areas in which GoL and communities collaborated were agriculture and sanitation.
Making special statement, Deputy Minister for Budget Development Planning, Tanneh G. Brunson, noted that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai strongly believe that for citizens to take ownership of any development project or program the government of Liberia has to stop traditional way of planning where policymakers sit in offices to decide what the People’s priorities should be.
She told the event that President Boakai instructed the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning that is leading the development of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Public Sector Investment Program, and the County Development Agenda to consult with citizens before coming up with a new plan.
“As district and county consultations are underway, the Eleven Budget Sector, comprising ministries, agencies, and commissioners, is also meeting at the national level to deliberate on the country’s course for the ensuing five years.”
According to Minister Brunson, the ongoing implementation of the Local Government Act makes these consultations even more crucial. This revolution’s primary objective is to bring decision-making closer to the people, which is why the county budget will be a key tool for decision-making at the county level and why the county development agenda was developed.
She also mentioned that when it comes to providing public goods and services, local governments will collaborate more with the federal government. This will be crucial for resource transfer as well as for enhancing decentralization and raising people’s standards of living, especially in places that are remote from the hub of economic growth.
The National Steering Committee of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development planning process and its implementation are welcomed by the United Nations and development partners, according to Dr. Clement Lugalia, who spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator. He expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Liberian government for demonstrating leadership at the Montserrado County Consultations for the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). The government’s ability to improve Liberians’ lives is evidenced by the highly praised national leadership and ownership of this process at the highest level.
He acknowledged the role played by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in overseeing the national and local planning processes for the ARREST Agenda, which will result in the Public Sector Investment Plan, the County Development Agendas, and the National Plan for Inclusive Development, all of which, when put into action, will fundamentally alter the lives of Liberians. It is admirable how quickly the district and national consultations were conducted.
“The ARREST Agenda aims to establish development priorities that will promote sustainable development and peace dividends in Liberia. The SDG Transition, which will hasten Liberia’s attainment of the SDGs, and international commitments must serve as its anchors. Since the counties are where the change would be most noticeable, county contributions are crucial.”
According to him, the significance of the consultation process cannot be emphasized since it reflects the objectives and priorities of Liberians and will guide the nation’s transformative growth, which will lead to better lives and the dividend of peace. The UN and Development Partners will support the objective and vision of the ARREST Agenda according to the UN Representative.
“Let me underline strong partnership between United Nations, Development Partners and the government of Liberia, and re-affirm this continued commitment and support to the Government’s Vision 2030 and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, based on the principles of effective development corporation – making aid effective, strengthening ownership, deepening mutual accountability and ensuring the sustainability of development for the people.”
The consultation mechanisms are excellent, and development partners and the Liberian government will find it easy to determine what needs to be done in communities to better the lives of Liberians, according to Kate Thomson, deputy head of mission and development counsellor at the UK Embassy.
Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic community in Liberia, Ambassador and Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon, Ambassador Beng’yela Augustine Gang, emphasized that rural Montserrado County would serve as the nation’s breadbasket. He alluded to specific agricultural pursuits, including raising chickens and growing vegetables, among others, saying these would stimulate the economy and provide jobs.
Reported by: Prince Saah
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