MONROVIA – The Government of Ireland has established a partnership agreement with a consortium of three prominent civil society organizations in Liberia: The Center for Democratic Governance (CDG), Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and Naymote Partners for Democratic Development. Ireland has committed €1.5 million over three years, (2024- 2026) to strengthen political governance and accountability in Liberia.
Gerard Considine, Ambassador of Ireland, said, “Strengthening governance and transparency underpins all of our efforts to deliver transformative change, inclusive economic development, and the realization of human rights in Liberia. Ireland recognizes the importance of partnership with civil society to support effective and accountable institutions. These three civil society organizations will seek to amplify all citizens’ voices, promoting anti-corruption efforts and political accountability. Inclusive participation in local governance helps to influence the way resources are allocated and distributed equitably, and ultimately to ensure the effective delivery of public services for Liberians”.
The project has the overall goal of strengthening political accountability, transparency, and democratic governance in Liberia and will be delivered through three main objectives:
Increase demands for political accountability in the management of the country’s resources;
Increase citizens’ voices in local decision-making processes by promoting dialogues between the government and local communities; and
Increase CSO oversight of equitable revenue-sharing between central and local government.
This is guided by Ireland’s Mission Strategy in Liberia 2024-2028, which aims to deepen development, political, and economic cooperation, specifically in the areas of strengthening governance, gender equality, nutrition, food security, climate action, and the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular women’s rights.
Eddie Jarwolo, a consortium member, stated: “Ireland has consistently demonstrated its commitment as a development partner to Liberia, supporting civil society organizations in executing programs that enhance political governance and accountability in the management of state resources. The support from the Irish Government will enable us to promote more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes in the governance of the country, thus strengthening peace and democracy”.
The implementation of the project will take place in Bong, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties, involving the participation of citizens, women’s and youth groups, individuals with disabilities, and various community-based organizations. Additional important stakeholders consist of the County Councils, the County Superintendents, Fiscal Officers, Development Officers, and the Management Team of the County Service Centers situated in each of the three target counties.
Moreover, the project will collaborate with policymakers from pertinent government institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Governance Commission, the Liberia Revenue Authority, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, etc.
