MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, has emphasized the need for greater legislative oversight and collaboration in advancing government transparency and accountability. She made the remarks on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, during the launch of Liberia’s 5th National Action Plan under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Monrovia.
In her address, Karnga-Lawrence described the launch as a significant milestone in Liberia’s commitment to open governance. She highlighted the country’s membership in the OGP since 2011 and the progress made in promoting access to information, open budgeting, anti-corruption measures, and citizen engagement.
“This milestone is a testament to our nation’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance,” Karnga-Lawrence said. “As the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, I am honored to play a role in advancing this important initiative, which is integral to strengthening democratic governance in Liberia.”
Karnga-Lawrence stressed that successful implementation of the OGP agenda requires collaboration across all branches of government, including the Legislature. She argued that open government should not be seen as an Executive-driven process but as a shared responsibility.
“The National Legislature must leverage its oversight powers to ensure that commitments made under the OGP are implemented effectively,” she said. “We must hold government institutions accountable for meeting transparency and accountability benchmarks while ensuring that public resources are managed prudently.”
She called for the enactment of progressive legislation to support the OGP agenda, including strengthening the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, advancing whistleblower protections, and promoting digital governance policies. According to her, such measures would create a legal environment conducive to transparency and public participation.
Karnga-Lawrence also underscored the importance of adequate budgetary support to implement open government initiatives. She urged lawmakers to ensure that agencies responsible for fulfilling OGP commitments receive the necessary resources.
“A well-functioning OGP framework requires adequate financial and institutional support,” she said. “The Legislature must ensure that key agencies tasked with implementing the OGP commitments receive the necessary budgetary allocations to carry out their mandate effectively.”
In her remarks, the Senate leader stressed the need to foster citizen engagement by creating more opportunities for public participation. She recommended public hearings, community consultations, and digital platforms to facilitate direct communication between citizens and policymakers.
Karnga-Lawrence further called for closer collaboration among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to align national policies with OGP commitments.
“The success of the OGP framework depends on the alignment of policies and strategies across all branches of government,” she noted. “As lawmakers, we must work closely with the Executive to ensure that national policies align with OGP commitments, fostering a whole-of-government approach to transparency and good governance.”
She concluded by urging all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, to work collectively to institutionalize open government principles and strengthen public trust.
“As we embark on the implementation of this 5th National Action Plan, let us work together to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. This will ensure a brighter future for all Liberians,” Karnga-Lawrence said.
The launch event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and international development partners committed to enhancing transparency and democratic governance in Liberia.
