Monrovia- In a groundbreaking development, Harold Aidoo, the Executive Director of Integrity Watch Liberia, has hailed the recent joint budget hearings at the national legislature as a significant milestone for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Traditionally relegated to the role of observers, CSOs actively participated in the hearings, marking a notable shift in their involvement in Liberia’s governance.
The Joint Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget of the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate spearheaded the budget hearings, engaging with government spending entities to scrutinize the Draft National Budget for fiscal year 2024.
Speaking at the Capitol Building in Monrovia on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Aidoo emphasized the unprecedented opportunity for CSOs to voice concerns directly to government representatives.
Integrity Watch Liberia, among other CSOs, seized the chance to raise critical issues, fostering transparency and accountability in budget allocation and expenditure.
Aidoo underscored the significance of CSO engagement in reinforcing legislative oversight, asserting that their involvement would ensure the effective utilization of allocated funds by government entities.
During the hearings, CSOs actively participated in questioning heads and representatives of government ministries, agencies, and commissions, receiving timely responses from public officials.
Aidoo emphasized the need for CSOs not only to be present but to actively contribute to both the revenue and expenditure aspects of the budgetary process.
Commending the 55th National Legislature for promoting a participatory budget process, CSO actor revealed Integrity Watch Liberia’s plan to submit a “Budget Option Paper” for the 2025 Draft National Budget.
This document will outline priority areas for government expenditure, aligning with the nation’s development agenda.
He hailed the initiative as a watershed moment for Liberian CSOs, marking the inception of a formal mechanism for citizen participation in decision-making processes.
The Integrity Watch Liberia Boss lauded the legislature’s progressive approach and expressed optimism for continued collaboration in future budgetary proceedings.
Looking ahead, Aidoo expressed eagerness for sustained CSO involvement in revenue and expenditure hearings, emphasizing the pivotal role of civil society in shaping Liberia’s fiscal policies.
