In a bid to address longstanding gaps between the national budget and county development funds, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have embarked on a new policy initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development in Liberia’s counties.
This initiative, which is being hailed as a significant step forward, focuses on aligning national and local development priorities by engaging county lawmakers and stakeholders through a consultative process.
The consultative dialogue, held recently in Monrovia, brought together lawmakers from all 15 counties to raise awareness about the priority needs of their constituents, which were collected through discussions among representatives from civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth leaders, and various government ministries in the counties.
The event was designed to gather input from a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that the National Development Plan reflects the aspirations of the people, especially at the county level, where gaps in infrastructure, public services, and economic opportunities remain pressing concerns.
Speaking at the event, Finance Minister Amara Ngafuan underscored the importance of collaboration between the executive branch, legislature, and local communities in shaping Liberia’s development agenda.
He stressed that for development to be meaningful, it must reflect the priorities of the people and be closely linked to both the national budget and the county development funds.
“The gaps between the national budget and the county development funds have been a persistent issue, leading to incomplete projects and unmet needs in various counties,” said Minister Ngafuan. “This new policy initiative is designed to close those gaps by ensuring that national planning incorporates the voices and concerns of local communities. By doing so, we can create a development framework that is both practical and responsive to the needs of our people.”
Ngafuan emphasized that the legislative branch plays a key role in this process, as lawmakers are the direct link between the national government and their constituents. “Our lawmakers are critical to this equation—they hear from their people daily, and we must ensure that their input is reflected in the national development agenda,” he noted.
Throughout the discussions, lawmakers and county representatives highlighted several challenges that have hindered development in their regions.
From poor road networks and inadequate health facilities to insufficient educational resources and limited access to electricity, the concerns expressed were wide-ranging and pointed to the need for a more coordinated and efficient use of development funds.
Senator Prince Moye, chairman of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, provided a sobering assessment of the situation in his county, where several key projects have stalled due to budgetary shortfalls.
“Many of the projects that were supposed to benefit our people have been left unattended because the national budget does not adequately address county-level priorities,” Moye stated. “It is time we move forward by linking the Social Development Fund (SDF) and the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP) to the national budget in a way that allows for greater transparency and accountability.”
Moye also called for a clearer delineation of how concessionary funds, which are often provided by companies operating in the counties, are allocated. He noted that these funds should be used to address pressing needs such as road construction, healthcare, and education; however, often the funds are misallocated or underutilized. “It is important that the money given by concessions is expressly tied to specific projects that can be tracked and monitored,” he said.
During the consultative session, participants from Bong and Lofa Counties provided detailed feedback on the most pressing issues facing their communities. In Bong County, residents expressed frustration over the collapse of essential social services, particularly in education and healthcare.
Although some services are accessible, they are often unaffordable, leaving many residents without adequate care. The collapse of facilities like the Bissi Health Services Center was cited as a key example of the region’s deteriorating infrastructure.
In addition to health concerns, the lack of agricultural tools and the limited availability of financial services for farmers were also raised as major barriers to development. “Without access to basic tools and loans, our farmers cannot expand their operations, and this is contributing to food insecurity in our county,” one participant remarked.
The absence of waste management systems, inadequate security presence, and the poor condition of public schools were other critical issues mentioned. “Most of our public schools are in poor condition, and many of our teachers are volunteers,” another participant said, highlighting the dire need for increased investment in education.
In Lofa County, similar concerns were voiced, with participants pointing to bad roads, a shortage of security personnel, and a lack of farming tools as key challenges. Additionally, the county’s potential as a tourist destination was discussed, with many noting that Lofa’s historical sites and natural beauty could be leveraged to boost the local economy if the necessary infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, were put in place.
Beyond infrastructure and social services, participants from both Bong and Lofa Counties raised alarms about emerging issues such as climate change, illicit drug use, and the rise of criminal activities, particularly involving motorbike riders. “The prevalence of illicit drugs in our communities is leading to an increase in crime, and we need to address this issue urgently,” one community leader from Bong County warned.
Minister Ngafuan and Deputy Minister Edward Mulbah both reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the voices of county residents are not only heard but also reflected in the national development plan.
“We cannot allow procedural lapses to hinder the progress we are trying to make,” said Ngafuan. “Perfection should not be the enemy of the good. Our goal is to create a practical document that meets the real needs of our people.”
The consultations will continue, with the next sessions scheduled to take place in Grand Kru, River Gee, and Maryland counties in the coming weeks.
