President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. presided over his administration’s first Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization Meeting on July 4, 2024, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The President underscored the significance of advancing Liberia's decentralization program to enhance service delivery for all citizens.
Boakai emphasized the government's commitment to driving decentralization forward by outlining measures to address challenges hindering reform efforts. He stressed the necessity of implementing the Revenue Sharing Act, particularly Chapter 7.2, which mandates retaining 40% of revenues generated at County Service Centers. This measure aims to resolve financial issues affecting these centers' operations.
The President also directed sector Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions associated with County Service Centers to devolve approvals and signing authorities to their subnational representatives. This directive aligns with his State of the Nation Address on January 29, 2024, where he introduced a legislative agenda that includes establishing the Ministry of Local Government. The creation of this ministry is intended to operationalize the Local Government Act passed in 2018 and further the government’s decentralization efforts.
Boakai stated that these decisions aim to improve service delivery and reduce transaction costs for citizens by eliminating the need for travel to Monrovia for signatories and documentation processes. He expressed gratitude to ministry leaders and encouraged enhanced coordination at county levels to bolster the decentralization program's impact.
The President acknowledged ongoing support from development partners and called for stronger collaboration as Liberia continues its decentralization journey. He concluded by reaffirming the government's dedication to decentralization and urged unity in building a better Liberia.
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