By: Archie Boan
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Liberia’s leading watchdog for democratic governance, has raised serious concerns over recent appointments within the Ministry of Local Government, questioning whether they align with the law establishing the Ministry.
The organization, in a formal statement, highlighted apparent inconsistencies between the recently amended Act creating the Ministry and the appointments of the Deputy Minister for Peacebuilding and Assistant Minister for Peacebuilding.
According to Naymote, these positions do not appear to be explicitly provided for under the publicly available provisions of the law.
“The integrity of Liberia’s governance system depends on strict adherence to enacted legislation,” Naymote’s Executive Director, Eddie D. Jarwolo, said. “Any deviations, even if unintentional, must be clarified to maintain transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”
The Ministry of Local Government, established by an Act passed by the Liberian Legislature and signed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
on July 28, 2025, replaced Chapter 25 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs under Title 12 of the Executive Law of 1972. The law was intended to strengthen decentralization and local governance, ensuring counties have more autonomy and resources to implement development agendas.
Naymote called on the government to explain the legal basis for these disputed appointments and urged Senate oversight committees to carefully scrutinize the positions during confirmation hearings. The organization also emphasized the importance of fully funding the Ministry to enable it to deliver on its mandate of accountable, responsive, and effective local governance.
The watchdog concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency, rule of law, and constructive engagement in support of Liberia’s democratic institutions.
