Gbarnga City, Bong County – A two-day orientation session for County Council members from Liberia’s fifteen sub-political divisions, organized by the Governance Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, came to an end in Gbarnga. This program is part of the implementation of the Local Government Act, which was enacted into law in 2018.
The objective of the training program was to strengthen local governance officials and empower County Council Members with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively serve their communities.
Speaking at the program marking the end of the training, the Chairman of the Governance Commission, Attorney Garrison Yealue , underscored the significant improvements witnessed in Liberia’s governance system in recent years under the administration of President George Weah.
Attorney Yealue asserts that the President played a crucial role in establishing the legal foundation for decentralization through the passage of the Local Government Act of 2018, the Revenue Sharing Law of Liberia, and other important legal regulations required for the nation’s quick economic development.
The GC Chairman stressed that the idea of fostering inclusive government, transparency, and accountability at the local level is at the heart of the creation of a county council in each county.
He emphasized to the audience that each council member represents a sizeable segment of the community and that there are high expectations for the success and sustainability of local development projects and programs.
Attorney Yealue made it noted that the council members hold positions of trust, including the authority to promulgate county ordinances, approve the annual county budget, advance peace and reconciliation, approve the county development plan and its implementation, and authorize the granting of specific licenses and operating permits as determined by the Legislature in accordance with the law. He also underlined that the council members are county representatives rather than lawmakers.
For his part, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program, Louis kuukpen, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Governance Commission for their efforts. He stated that the UNDP and its partners are currently supporting the Liberia Decentralization Support Program and will continue to provide further support for the county council training program.
In accordance with Chapter 2 of the Local Government Act, which establishes local government structures, kuukpen recognized the creation of County Councils in the fifteen counties as a commendable accomplishment. He urged the council members to carry out their duties in a way that would benefit their respective counties and the nation as a whole.
The UNDP Resident Representative stressed that this procedure should be used as another chance to support Liberia’s peace and development endeavors.
The council members spent the last few weeks going through a thorough training program intended to provide them the knowledge and abilities they need. A variety of topics were covered at the workshops and lectures led by professionals and educators, including seasoned politicians, administrators, and lawyers. These topics include everything from community development plans to public finance management.
As required by law, their judgments regarding county development will mostly come from the districts, chiefdoms, clans, and towns. The county legislators who represent the county at the federal level occupy the position of the council members, who are not members of the county legislative caucus. The council members’ main duty is to make sure that the needs and priorities of the populace are prioritized in county development plans. According to the statute, they will also collaborate closely with the county superintendent and his staff.
The CCs are expected to promulgate county ordinances, impose local taxes, authorize the issuance of certain licenses, and approve development plans and annual budgets. In order to increase output and productivity, CC members must continuously build their capacity. Chapter Two of the Local Government Act of 2018 defines the powers and authority of local government and highlights the importance of establishing local government structures.
These structures include county councils and county administrations, as well as sub-county local governments comprising districts, chiefdoms, clans, towns, and municipalities. The workshop brought together policy makers, international partners, seven county superintendents, civil society members and citizens selected from various communities in the counties to serve on the individual county council team.
The second phase of the training program County Council ended in Buchanan city, Grand Bassa County.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
