Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, in collaboration with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), officially launched the Governance and Anti-Corruption Fellowship (GAF) Program on Tuesday at the Civil Service Agency, Ministerial Complex.
The GAF Program, the first of its kind in Liberia, is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering emerging leaders, university student leaders, civic actors, and young public sector professionals.
The program seeks to equip fellows with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to advance integrity, transparency, accountability, and good governance in institutions and communities across the country.
Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the program and urged fellows to embrace leadership roles in combating corruption.
“Meaningful change must begin with young people, and the time to act is now,” Mr. Dia said. “Stand for yourselves, and stand for Liberia in the fight against corruption.”
Speaking on behalf of LACC Executive Chairperson, Commissioner Samuel F. Dakana, Oversight Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation described the GAF Program as more than a training course.
“This program is a leadership development platform,” Commissioner Dakana said. “It is designed to cultivate a new generation of ethical, reform-minded professionals committed to public service, accountability, and national development.”
He further emphasized that combating corruption is a shared national responsibility requiring coordinated action from government institutions, civil society, and international partners.
The launch featured remarks from several distinguished representatives, including the German Ambassador, the Irish Ambassador, a representative of the Swedish Embassy, Professor Alaric Tokpah of the Governance Commission, and Mr. Lawrence Yealue on behalf of Civil Society Organizations.
Participants at the event included civil society actors, representatives of development partners, diplomatic missions, and governance institutions, reflecting a broad-based commitment to strengthening ethical governance in Liberia.
The GAF Program will provide fellows with practical skills in leadership, anti-corruption strategies, advocacy, and public sector management, combining classroom-based learning with fieldwork and mentorship opportunities.
Organizers emphasized that the fellowship is designed not only to enhance individual capacity but also to foster networks of reform-minded professionals who can collaborate to strengthen governance and accountability nationwide.
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development highlighted that the initiative aligns with Liberia’s ongoing efforts to build a transparent and accountable public service, in line with international best practices.
The UNDP and partner embassies, including Sweden and Ireland, expressed continued support for programs that promote good governance, noting that investing in young leaders is critical to Liberia’s democratic consolidation and sustainable development.
Through initiatives such as the GAF Program, Liberia aims to create a culture of integrity and ethical leadership, ensuring that future generations of public officials and civic leaders uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The program is expected to run annually, producing cohorts of young leaders equipped to champion governance reforms and combat corruption across the country.
