GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Saturday, November 20, 2025, emphasized the importance of decentralization and community participation in Liberia’s governance during a special address to the National Assembly of Chiefs and Tribal Governors at the Administration Building in Gbarnga, Bong County. The President outlined his administration’s commitment to inclusive and people-centered governance, reiterating the need for local authorities to play a central role in national development.
Boakai opened his address by noting the significance of the gathering as a platform for dialogue between the central government and traditional leadership. “Our development plan, outlined in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, along with county-specific plans, will rely on the leadership of local authorities. Your insights, concerns, and aspirations are vital to the success of these initiatives,” he said, stressing that governance works best when it grows from the ground up.
The President explained that Liberia’s past governance model has been overly centralized, leaving the majority of citizens, especially those in rural areas, marginalized. “For too long, centralized governance has failed our people. It has led to exclusion, marginalization, elite capture, and discontent. That must change,” Boakai declared, highlighting the need to make decentralization a tangible and actionable priority rather than just a policy slogan.
Boakai reiterated that local participation is essential to fostering meaningful development. “True democracy thrives when people participate fully in shaping the decisions that govern their lives. This is why decentralization is central to our national renewal,” he stated. He called for the empowerment of local government structures to ensure that every Liberian, regardless of location, has a voice in decision-making.
The President also urged the Legislature to act on a key component of his decentralization agenda. “On January 29, 2025, I presented my Legislative Agenda to the 55th Legislature, including a bill to establish the Ministry of Local Government, which will facilitate the full implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018,” Boakai explained. He emphasized that approval of the bill could be transformative for Liberia, promoting accountability and strengthening local institutions.
Boakai reviewed his administration’s achievements over the past two years, including enhancements in food security, road infrastructure, educational standards, and anti-corruption measures. He highlighted Liberia’s restored respect on the international stage, particularly its leadership role at the UN Security Council. Despite these gains, he maintained that greater decentralization and local participation are crucial for sustaining progress.
In his address, the President emphasized the creation of a joint framework to guide future collaboration between government and local leaders. “At the conclusion of this National Assembly, we will create a framework document, the Actions of Mutual Commitment, outlining the agreements and responsibilities we will work on together in the coming years,” Boakai said. He assured that the Ministries of Internal Affairs and State for Presidential Affairs would monitor and report on progress at the next assembly.
Boakai also called on traditional leaders to embrace their role as partners in national development. “I urge our Chiefs, Governors, Lawmakers, and every Liberian to be involved in the change we need, to rebuild the nation we envision for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren,” he said, stressing that Liberia’s transformation depends on unity and cooperation at all levels.
The President concluded with a resonant national appeal, urging citizens to put aside differences and work collectively for Liberia’s advancement. “Kwa-PaKu-quieh-ma Ku-Noih-Tuh, let us come together and build our country. Liberia can only be great if we work together,” Boakai said. He reminded the audience of the administration’s guiding principle: “Love Liberia, Think Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
The assembly brought together the Vice President, members of the 55th Legislature, Cabinet officials, international partners, and the diplomatic corps, underscoring the importance of partnership between government and local leadership. Observers noted that Boakai’s address reinforced his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, peace, and national renewal.
