The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), with assistance from global partners, has officially initiated a three-day Fiscal Decentralization and Financial Management Training in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Gbarnga, Bong County, July 17, 2025: The event, themed "Empowerment of Local Government Officials Through Financial Management and Budget Disaggregation," has gathered more than 60 local government representatives from Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Margibi Counties. The session is a component of continuous national initiatives aimed at enhancing local capabilities for accountable governance and improved public service delivery.
The program emphasizes key domains such as Budget Breakdown, Budget Implementation and Documentation, Revenue Distribution Laws and Rules, and Application of the Local Government Act
These elements are crucial for improving how municipal authorities design, distribute, utilize, and disclose public finances. As Liberia moves towards a more decentralized administrative structure, these competencies will be important in maintaining openness, responsibility, and public confidence.
Mr. Anthony G. Myers, the Deputy Minister of Fiscal Affairs, gave the official opening speech, underlining the significance of the initiative in boosting local financial independence. He stressed that enabling counties with effective fiscal management is essential for long-term development.
"By enhancing the financial management skills of our local officials, we are laying the groundwork for more efficient and effective governance. Counties need to be capable of planning, implementing, and reporting on their budgets on their own while still adhering to national objectives," Myers said.
He also encouraged attendees to treat the training with due seriousness, emphasizing that the effectiveness of Liberia's decentralization strategy largely relies on the preparedness and expertise of local stakeholders.
Additionally, Prof. Alaric Tokpah, Acting Chairman of the Governance Commission, addressed the event, commending the MFDP and its collaborators for their prompt action. He emphasized once more that decentralization is not just an option in policy but a constitutional requirement that facilitates public involvement in decision-making and the distribution of resources.
"It is essential to keep fostering cooperation between national and local government bodies. Without teamwork and mutual accountability, the vision of successful decentralization will stay out of reach," emphasized Prof. Tokpah.
Officials from major development partners such as the European Union (EU), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also participated in the meeting. Each organization emphasized their firm dedication to Liberia's decentralization and governance transformation initiatives.
Robust, responsible, and effective local governments are crucial for Liberia's sustained development objectives," said a representative from one of the partners. "We are honored to be involved in this program aimed at strengthening capabilities, enabling local leaders to assist their communities more effectively.
Offering a detailed summary of the training, Dr. Rome D.N. Gbartea, Director of Fiscal Decentralization at MFDP, stated that the sessions are practical and focused on finding solutions. He mentioned that the objective is to enable participants to implement the tools and knowledge directly within their respective counties.
"This is more than just academic information. We offer practical tools and hands-on skills that attendees can use right away and bring back with them. Our aim is to minimize waste, increase responsibility, and boost the efficiency of services at the community level," Dr. Gbartea highlighted.
Modules are designed to tackle typical issues encountered by county officials, including insufficient knowledge of national financial frameworks, late allocation of funds, and inadequate reporting mechanisms.
Individuals from all four countries received the training positively, considering it both relevant and impactful. They highlighted that the sessions tackle critical issues related to financial planning, implementation, and adherence to regulations.
One participant from Grand Bassa County stated, 'This training will assist us in gaining a clearer understanding of how to handle and report on our budgets, as well as how to interact with citizens in a more open and accountable manner.'
Some highlighted the need to expand this training across the country to maintain consistent capabilities in every local government.
The program is a component of the government's larger initiatives to enforce the Local Government Act of 2018, which requires the progressive shift of power, control, and financial duties from the national administration to local authorities. Although some advancements have been achieved, complete execution of the Act is still in development, facing obstacles due to insufficient capabilities and operational difficulties.
This effort seeks to bridge those gaps by offering hands-on resources and recommendations for local officials. Attendees are encouraged to create action strategies that match their specific county requirements, detailing how to implement the acquired knowledge in practical situations.
The introduction of this Fiscal Decentralization and Financial Management Training represents another significant step in Liberia's path toward establishing a more responsive and inclusive governance structure. With ongoing assistance from development partners and firm political dedication from the central government, the chances for local development, service provision, and democratic involvement are steadily increasing.
As the workshop continues, participants stay optimistic that the training will result in better-informed, responsible, and stronger local government bodies, which are essential for national stability and long-term development. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
