The Auditor General of Liberia, Mr. P. Garswa Jackson, has been elected to the Governing Board of the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI).
AFROSAI represents twenty-six (26) supreme auditing institutions across English and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.
According to a communication written to AG Jackson, dated September 4, 2024, a copy of which is in the possession of Verity, he has been informed of his new role and responsibilities.
The letter from the AFROSAI General Secretariat, dated March 12, 2024, states: “We are pleased to inform you that you have been elected to represent AFROSAI-E on the AFROSAI Governing Board for a period of three years, renewable once. The formal confirmation will take place at the 16th AFROSAI General Assembly in Tripoli, Libya, in December 2024.”
The communication indicates that AG Jackson’s position on the Supreme Governing Board provides a valuable opportunity to build relationships with Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from across Africa and strengthen ties with the AFROSAI community.
The letter further states that the position serves as a vital platform to ensure that AFROSAI-E interests are appropriately represented.
The role of the Liberian Auditor General as the AFROSAI-E representative on the AFROSAI Governing Board will include, but is not limited to, attending and actively participating in the Governing Board and General Assembly gatherings, starting with the one in December 2024, and responding to written consultations as required.
“You will be tasked with attending and actively participating in the Governing Board and General Assembly gatherings, starting with the one in December 2024, and responding to written consultations as needed. We thank you for your willingness to undertake this responsibility, and please be assured that the Secretariat will fully support you in these duties.”
AG Jackson expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence placed in him and promised to effectively represent the interests of AFROSAI, with an emphasis on pursuing more collaborations and partnerships in the interest of the General Auditing Commission (SAI Liberia).
Harbel College in Margibi County Elevated to University Status, Renamed Margibi University
At long last, Harbel College has officially been elevated to a university status and renamed Margibi University, following the passage of a new act by members of the 55th Legislature of Liberia. This move to grant the college university status comes after years of advocacy and legislative efforts to expand educational opportunities for residents in Margibi County and other parts of the country.
The institution (Harbel College) was initially established in 2012 through an act introduced by the former Margibi County District #2 Representative, Ballah G. Zayzay, during the 53rd Legislature. The institution operated as a college for over a decade. During the 54th Legislature, the current Margibi County District #2 Representative, Hon. Ivar K. Jones, pleaded with his colleagues up Capitol Hill for the institution’s development by introducing the “Act to Repeal the 2012 Act Creating Harbel College and to Establish in Lieu Thereof Margibi University and Grant it a Charter.”
Through his consistent advocacy, on August 9, 2024, the act was passed into law, granting the new university official status and a charter. Margibi University is now authorized to function as an institution of higher learning, with the power to offer a variety of academic programs and confer degrees. The university is situated in Harbel, Margibi County, and there are plans for future expansion to other areas within the county.
With the new status, Margibi University (MU) will have the same rights, privileges, and benefits as other institutions of higher learning under Liberian law. Margibi University is expected to play a key role in providing quality education to students in Margibi County and beyond.
The law creating Margibi University was printed on August 22, 2024, marking the official recognition of the institution under its new name.