BudgIT Liberia, an advocate group noted for fiscal transparency and good governance, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative known as the “Governance Clinic.”
This program aims to foster constructive dialogue among civil society organizations (CSOs), government officials, and stakeholders on critical governance issues affecting Liberia.
The official launch ceremony, held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Monrovia, was spearheaded by Lawrence Yealue, the Country Director of Accountability Lab Liberia, on behalf of BudgIT Liberia.
Abraham Varney, the Country Lead for BudgIT Liberia, emphasized that the Governance Clinic represents a pivotal platform for collaborative efforts in addressing Liberia’s governance challenges.
It is meant to enhance civic engagement and fiscal transparency in Liberia.
Varney underscored the importance of the initiative in promoting civic engagement and bolstering transparency, accountability, and effective management of public resources.
He highlighted that the Clinic will serve as a nexus for experts, CSOs, state actors, and stakeholders from various sectors to identify issues, engage in meaningful discussions, and craft sustainable solutions.
“This initiative is crucial for enhancing fiscal governance through civic engagement,” Varney affirmed, noting the theme of the inaugural session: “Promoting Fiscal Governance through Civic Engagement.”
The event is set to gather government officials, civil society leaders, university students, and governance experts to delve into Liberia’s fiscal landscape and budgetary processes.
Central to its objectives, is the Governance Clinic which aims to pinpoint primary challenges and capacity gaps within Liberia’s fiscal space.
Varney stressed that through dialogue and collaboration, the Clinic will generate actionable recommendations to fortify fiscal transparency and accountability, thereby fostering better governance and prudent management of public funds.
“The outcomes we anticipate include a deeper understanding of fiscal governance dynamics in Liberia and practical recommendations to enhance governance,” Varney stated.
He emphasized that these recommendations will be compiled and submitted to the National Government for consideration, reflecting the Clinic’s commitment to influencing policy and institutional reform.
The launch received accolades from various quarters, with Lawrence Yealue of Accountability Lab Liberia commending BudgIT Liberia for its innovative approach to tackling national governance issues.
Yealue expressed optimism that the Governance Clinic would effectively address pressing challenges affecting governance across Liberia.
Likewise, G. Ralph Jimmeh, Head of Secretariat for the Open Government Partnership, pledged full support for the initiative, describing it as timely and crucial for alleviating governance hurdles in the country.
“This effort will alleviate the daily governance challenges faced by our society,” Jimmeh emphasized, highlighting the potential of the Governance Clinic to drive meaningful change.
As BudgIT Liberia embarks on this pioneering endeavor, the Governance Clinic expected to serve as a cornerstone for collaborative governance reform, fostering inclusive dialogue and advancing transparency and accountability in Liberia’s public sector.
The Clinic’s ongoing sessions are expected to galvanize public participation and stakeholder engagement, paving the way for a more accountable and responsive governance framework in the country.
Credit: Blamo N. Toe/ Contributor
