Lofa, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has proposed a new grassroots governance approach that would give communities in Lofa County a stronger role in decision-making and local development, during a town hall meeting with citizens in Foya.
Speaking to residents, the President suggested that each administrative district—not electoral districts—should elect a small, representative group of community members, including youths, women, elders, and other locally chosen leaders. He said these representatives would first deliberate among themselves at the district level before countywide decisions are made, making consultations more practical and inclusive.
President Boakai emphasized that such a system would reduce the need for large gatherings and ensure that proposals brought to the Legislature truly reflect local consensus. He also outlined a community-based funding model, where districts would be responsible for collecting agreed contributions for county development projects. According to him, districts would know who contributes and who does not, reinforcing accountability and civic responsibility.
The President stressed that government alone cannot meet all development needs, urging citizens—both at home and in the diaspora—to contribute to projects such as roads, schools, and community facilities. He cited road improvements in Lofa as an example, noting that better roads would help farmers transport goods like produce to Monrovia, increasing incomes.
The Liberian leader added that community projects, such as building a football stadium, would require local initiative and funding, as the national government cannot undertake such projects in one county alone without doing so nationwide. He concluded by saying clear formulas for community participation and fundraising would be developed to support local priorities.
