For Immediate Release. June 27, 2025. County Council Members Urged to Champion Peace, Productivity, and Service Delivery at Close of Fiscal Decentralization Training

For Immediate Release. June 27, 2025. County Council Members Urged to Champion Peace, Productivity, and Service Delivery at Close of Fiscal Decentralization Training

Ganta, Nimba County— A three-day training on Fiscal Decentralization and Public Financial Management for County Council Members has concluded in Ganta, Nimba County, with a strong call for local leaders to champion peace, productivity, and efficient service delivery across Liberia.

The training, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and other partners, aimed to strengthen the technical capacity of County Council Members in public financial management, taxation, and the principles of fiscal decentralization.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Romeo Gbartea, Director of Fiscal Decentralization at MFDP, emphasized that the success of decentralization hinges on the ethical commitment and behavioral transformation of local leaders.

“If you have anger issues, tell us. Be productive. Don’t be unproductive,” he urged, stressing the need for peace and innovation over conflict. “We can’t be the center of conflict all the time. We have to be the center of peace, and productivity.”

Dr. Gbartea reminded council members of their critical role in shaping county development agendas. “You are the ones to approve the budget. The County Development Agenda is on your lap,” he stated, describing decentralization as a key tool for advancing local governance and economic empowerment.

Representing the UNDP, its Decentralization Focal Point, Mr. Eric Boykai commended participants for their active engagement and dedication throughout the training.

“Your work is so important that people are now fighting you to do your job,” he remarked. “We will continue to support you with the training and tools needed to enhance your effectiveness and promote inclusive, transparent governance.”

Mr. Boykai reaffirmed UNDP’s continued commitment to the Liberia Decentralization Support Program, stating, “You are representatives of the Liberian people in a unique governance system. Your efforts should never be overlooked.”

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Madam Esther J. S. Clarke, Co-Chair of the Margibi County Council stated that decentralization is not just a policy but a national imperative—one that demands discipline, collaboration, and accountability at the local level.

She lauded the organizers of the training, the MFDP and UNDP asking them to continue the initiative in the interest of the country.

The training marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing decentralization efforts, placing County Council Members at the center of the country’s drive for inclusive and effective local governance.

The program forms part of the Liberia Decentralization Support Program (LDSP), supported by development partners including the Governments of Sweden and Ireland, the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, and UNDP. Council Members from all fifteen counties participated in the training, which provided an in-depth understanding of county council functions and their role in building a more decentralized and equitable service delivery.