By Julius Konton
InQuest Liberia has hailed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, a “courageous, and principled decision to veto 11 controversial local government bills.”
The bills were recently passed by the Legislature.
They proposed the establishment of nine new townships in Nimba County, and two new districts in Nimba and Lofa counties.
InQuest Liberia Executive Director, Matthais Yeanay said, the President action demonstrates a steadfast commitment to uphold the rule of law, administrative integrity, and the spirit of the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018; Liberia’s cornerstone legislation for decentralization and local governance reform.
In his official communication to the House of Representatives, Pres. Boakai cited “administrative and statutory deficiencies” in the proposed legislation.
He referenced several key provisions of the LGA that the bills failed to meet:
For example, the President cited Section 12.4.2, which mandates a minimum population of 10,000, and the presence of basic public services, including healthcare, education, sanitation and recreation, as prerequisites for township status.
Section 3.9 requires proper boundary demarcation and harmonization before the creation of new subdivisions.
Section 2.15(a–b) places a moratorium on establishing or modifying statutory districts for seven years post-LGA enactment, pending formal review by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
“This veto reflects not only legal fidelity, but a clear understanding that political expediency must not override national development priorities,” said Mr. Yeanay.
InQuest Liberia also drew attention to the 10-Year Implementation Plan (2020–2030) developed under the LGA.
The plan prioritizes Boundary Harmonization in its initial phase, citing ongoing issues such as overlapping or undefined boundaries, administrative confusion, and community disputes.
Moreover, InQuest Liberia issued a three-point appeal to members of the Legislature, to pause new administrative creations until all boundary harmonization, and mapping processes are completed in line with the LGA, and its implementation framework.
Others have prioritized funding for the MIA, Liberia Land Authority (LLA), and Governance Commission (GC) to support boundary mapping and institutional strengthening, Support existing local structures, such as County Service Centers and County Councils, rather than expanding unsustainable jurisdictions.
Mr. Yeanay spoke of genuine decentralization, which he said, is not about multiplying administrative units, but about enhancing governance, improving service delivery, and empowering local communities.
“The path to a functional, participatory, and accountable local governance system demands collective responsibility and unwavering respect for the rule of law.” Yeanay: “We urge lawmakers to partner with the Executive to ensure that decentralization remains transparent, lawful, and sustainable.”
Meanwhile, InfoQuest Liberia has encouraged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, ministries, and civil society actors to recommit to the goals of the LGA, and its 10-Year Implementation Plan to benefit all Liberians.