Gbarnga, Bong County — The government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has officially opened a Nationwide FY2025 Budget Outreach and FY2026 Pre-Budget Consultations in Gbarnga, Bong County on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The event is being held under the theme “Empowering Citizens Strengthening Accountability: Building Liberia’s Future Through Inclusive Budgeting.”
Speaking at the opening session of the event, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones emphasized the government’s continued commitment to inclusive governance and citizen participation in the national budgeting process. He reminded participants that their voices are essential in shaping national priorities and that the outreach is meant to both report on current budget implementation and solicit public input for the FY2026 national budget.
“Every time we call our citizens, it’s for two reasons,” he said. “First, to update you on the progress of the current budget year. And second, to hear from you — your priorities, your concerns, and your suggestions for the upcoming fiscal year.”
Jones highlighted the importance of community participation in the national development process, recalling how citizens were previously involved in formulating County Development Agendas, which were consolidated into Liberia’s national Agenda for Inclusive Development. “We cannot sit in Monrovia and decide what’s best for the rest of the country,” he said. “This government is taking Liberia out of Monrovia — bringing governance to the people.”
The outreach event, which brought together government officials, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and citizens from across Bong County, aims to bridge the gap between national policy decisions and grassroots priorities. Jones encouraged participants to speak freely and assured them that “no idea is bad.”
He also stressed the importance of understanding the national budget as the central tool for development planning. “If your priorities are not reflected in the budget, then for the whole year — January to December — you are at the mercy of chance,” he said.
In addition to providing updates on the current FY2025 budget — which is now in its fourth and final quarter — the consultations will inform the formulation of the FY2026 budget. Teams from the Department of Budget were also present to walk participants through the budgeting process and respond to questions.
Deputy Minister Jones praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for promoting transparency and participatory governance. “Everything we do is because you asked President Boakai to do it,” he said. “He brought us from across the country to serve — and now we’re here, listening to you.” He closed by encouraging women and youth to speak up, noting that traditional norms often limit open participation, especially for women. “We beg you — speak. This is your platform,” he said.
The event also drew participation from local authorities, including the Assistant Superintendent for Fiscal Affairs in Bong County, civil society representatives, and the media. In separate remarks, Bong county Finance Officer Silius Tokpah and County Caucus Chairman Aaron Fanlah, praised the government and the Ministry of Finance for prioritizing citizens’ participantion in the budget process of the country.
They used their separate remarks to called on participants to expressed their concerns and ask questions that would clear their doubts about the budget process of the country.
The duo made specific reference to past county sittings, informing participants about similarities between the national budget and local budget planning processes. The FY2025 Budget Outreach and FY2026 Pre-Budget Consultation will continue across Liberia’s 15 counties over the coming weeks, organizers reviled.
