On February 26, 2025, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, called for heightened legislative involvement in promoting transparency and accountability during the launch of Liberia’s fifth National Action Plan under the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Speaking at the event, Karnga-Lawrence emphasized that strengthening the Legislature’s oversight function is crucial to successfully implementing the country’s open government commitments.
In her address, the Senate leader underscored the significance of Liberia’s membership in the OGP, which began in 2011, and highlighted the country’s progress in access to information, open budgeting, anti-corruption efforts, and citizen participation. Karnga-Lawrence described the launch of the new action plan as a key step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to embrace transparent governance.
“This initiative reflects our dedication to ensuring that the principles of transparency and accountability are embedded in all aspects of our governance,” Karnga-Lawrence said. She expressed pride in the Senate’s role in advancing the OGP agenda, emphasizing that a robust open government framework requires full collaboration between all branches of government, particularly the Legislature.
She further stated that open government should not be viewed as a top-down directive but as a shared responsibility that requires active participation from all arms of government. The Legislature, according to Karnga-Lawrence, must play an essential role in monitoring the implementation of OGP commitments. She urged lawmakers to leverage their oversight powers to ensure that government institutions adhere to their transparency obligations and properly manage public funds.
Karnga-Lawrence also highlighted the need for legislative support in strengthening the legal framework for open government, including updating the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, enhancing protections for whistleblowers, and developing policies to promote digital governance. She argued that such reforms would create an environment conducive to increased public engagement and accountability.
To ensure the success of the OGP, the Senate leader called for sufficient financial backing. She stressed that key government agencies responsible for carrying out the OGP commitments must receive adequate budgetary support to meet their mandates. “We must guarantee that the institutions tasked with these important roles are properly funded and equipped to succeed,” she asserted.
In her remarks, Karnga-Lawrence also advocated for more opportunities for citizens to participate directly in the political process. She suggested public hearings, community consultations, and online platforms to foster communication between the public and lawmakers. She also urged a unified approach across the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to align national policies with OGP commitments, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-government strategy.
As the event concluded, Karnga-Lawrence called on all stakeholders, including civil society groups, government agencies, and international partners, to join forces in institutionalizing the principles of open government. “Together, we can ensure that transparency and public engagement shape the future of Liberia’s governance,” she said.
The launch event brought together key government officials, civil society representatives, and international development partners, all committed to strengthening democratic practices and transparency in Liberia.
