MONROVIA, Liberia — Naymote Partners for Democratic Development Executive Director Eddie D. Jarwolo has called for stronger political accountability and improved governance, arguing that Liberia has yet to deliver meaningful development benefits to many citizens after 20 years of democratic governance.
In a public statement reflecting on Liberia’s democratic journey from 2006 to 2026, Jarwolo acknowledged the country’s sustained peace and democratic progress but expressed concern over persistent challenges, including unemployment, poor infrastructure, inadequate social services and weak local governance.
He said that despite two decades of democratic stability, many Liberians continue to struggle to access basic necessities and economic opportunities.
Jarwolo pointed to young people searching for employment, parents struggling to educate their children, patients unable to afford healthcare and farmers facing difficulties transporting their produce to markets.
According to him, these challenges raise serious questions about how successive governments have managed public resources and prioritized national development.
The Naymote boss placed substantial responsibility on political leadership and political parties, stressing that those who controlled public resources, approved national budgets, selected public officials and determined national priorities must account for their records.
He specifically referenced the administrations of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President George Weah and current President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, alongside successive members of the Legislature across political party lines.
However, Jarwolo emphasized that accountability should be determined by each leader’s authority, decisions and duration in public office.
He further called for a national development agenda that would remain consistent despite changes in political leadership, arguing that Liberia cannot continue to change its development priorities whenever a new administration takes office.
He urged political parties to establish credible policy research teams, work with independent think tanks, prepare competent leaders and ensure that their elected officials are held accountable.
Jarwolo also called for the publication of properly costed development plans, greater transparency in government budgets and contracts, stronger local government institutions and measurable reporting on public sector performance.
He stressed the need to ensure that women, young people, persons with disabilities and rural communities are adequately represented in national decision-making and have fair access to development opportunities.
Concluding his statement, Jarwolo challenged citizens to demand performance from public officials, political parties to insist on integrity among their leaders, and government officials to treat public resources as a trust.
“Twenty years should teach us to govern better. The next twenty must deliver a Liberia where progress reaches every community,” he stated.
