By Caesar Morris
Liberia’s struggle with enforcement and implementation of good laws and regulations is not new. The country has many well-crafted policies, but the inability to enforce them effectively undermines their potential. Recent initiatives, such as the launch of Liberia’s first telecommunications consumer regulations by the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) and the commissioning of a nationwide labor inspectorate last week hold promise. However, they risk falling short of their intended impact unless the government adopts a more participatory and citizen-centered approach to implementation.
Its time that the Government of Liberia (GoL) adapt a new approach or it will continue in circles with limited or no results. The role of citizen participation in enforcement is critical and should be consider in Liberia’s current regulatory landscape. The general population often bears the brunt of poor enforcement, involving their participation is vital
for achieving meaningful outcomes. My wife and I and many other parents in Liberia face challenges such as unwanted and inappropriate text messages sent to our children’s phones, including those promoting gambling. We should have the option to unsubscribe our children’s numbers from such services. Unfortunately, no such mechanism exists in Liberia.
To address this most effectively, the LTA could establish an effective public reporting system. Such a system would allow parents, consumers to report unsolicited and harmful text messages. This approach would empower citizens to take action while providing regulators with crucial data to address issues systematically.
Similarly, the implementation of labor regulations faces logistical hurdles, such as the government’s inability to deploy inspectors nationwide. In this context, empowering citizens to report labor violations directly can fill the gap. A public reporting system would enable those affected by exploitative labor practices to alert authorities, making enforcement more practical and widespread.
Liberia needs to adapt global best practices. Countries facing similar challenges have successfully employed citizen-centered approaches with outstanding successes. some instances includes India’s Consumer Complaint System lunched in September 2020. In India consumer grievance redressal portal (eDaakhil) enables individual consumers to file complaints directly. The system is transparent, with provisions for tracking complaint status, which boosts accountability. In the Philippines the government enforces anti-spam regulations by requiring telecom providers to enable subscribers to opt out of promotional messages. This has significantly reduced unsolicited communications. Similarly, in South Africa the The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) launched a reporting system via its website allowing the public to report labor law violations directly. This approach circumvents logistical challenges and builds trust among workers; Liberia can also adapt similar best practices and approaches for the best result.
Liberia has its own examples of effective public participation. During the Ebola crisis, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration relied heavily on community involvement and transparent reporting systems. Citizens were trained to identify and report cases, which proved instrumental in curbing the outbreak. Similarly, the George Weah government leveraged public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with health campaigns that engaged local communities. These experiences underscore the importance of involving citizens in the implementation process. They also demonstrate the effectiveness of simple but robust reporting mechanisms that amplify the public’s voice.
GOL, currently the LTA and ministry of Labor should create user-friendly online systems for reporting violations. These could include hotlines, mobile apps, or web form that could be integrated into their current websites.
GOL needs to engage communities. Community leaders and civil society organizations can play a crucial role in educating citizens about their rights and how to report violations. GOL entities should be transparent in these efforts by regularly publishing data on reported cases and actions taken as to build public trust and encourage further participation.
It is no secret that GOL faces significant challenges due to budget constraints. To address these issues, it must leverage technology and adopt
digital tools to overcome logistical hurdles embracing innovative approaches leading to improved implementation and enforcement of regulations, paving the way for transformative change tailor to Liberia’s unique context.
About the author
Since 2006, Caesar Morris has been at the forefront of transforming Liberia’s technology and business landscape. He’s a visionary IT specialist and social entrepreneur, Caesar combines innovation with impact, delivering solutions that address critical needs in Liberia.
Allbright.com.lr, his IT consultancy firm has been delivering cutting-edge IT solutions to the Liberian government and private corporations. Empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Caesar launched Banjoosuperstore.com in 2015 Liberia’s premier online platform. By bringing groceries and supplies straight to the doors of homes and offices, he has made everyday life more convenient for Liberians.
Caesar co-founded TLC.com.lr a company simplifying the complexities of travel to Liberia, creating a seamless experience for foreign nationals and showcasing Liberia as a welcoming destination.
Through these dynamic ventures, Caesar Morris is not just building businesses, he’s driving transformative change. His commitment to innovation and social impact is reshaping Liberia’s future, one solution at a time.
