Internal Affairs Assistant Minister for Research and Development Planning, D. Emmanuel Wheinyue, has said that social accountability and transparency in governance and public service delivery will make meaningful impact when local government, civil Society, and communities are actively involved.
Wheinyue made the comment in Gompa City, Nimba County, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during the Liberia Anti-corruption Commission (LACC) training for local government officials.
He applauded the LACC for the wonderful idea of bringing the Anti-corruption torchlight closer to the local government level.
The project, Wheinyue said, seeks to educate and raise awareness on the fight against corruption, promote integrity and accountability in local governance.
Min. Wheinyue recalled that in 2024, one of the first major activities of the current administration at the MIA was the holding of orientation and capacity-building workshop for all local government officials in which several government MACs, including the LACC were invited to make a presentation as an eye-opener for the newly appointed officials.
He said, before that event, the number of local government officials, who had declared their Assets was very low.
Wheinyue noted that with the LACC intervention and interaction with the participants sharply increased the number of declarants, adding: “this was the beginning of the MIA and LACC partnership.”
“We also appreciate the UNDP for the support; with you, we are united by our shared commitment to the betterment of our communities,” he said.
Wheinyue also described Anti-Corruption in local governance; “not merely an abstract concept, but a foundational pillar upon which the very fabric of the society rests.”
“The local government officials, are the closest point of contact between governance and the citizens, “he said.
The training theme: “Empowering Citizens and Communities to Foster Social Accountability and Transparency in Governance and Public Service Delivery.”
The program was attended by the Chairperson of the LACC, Cllr. Alexandria Zoe, the Acting Nimba Superintendent, local government officials, the City Mayor of Gompa City, Samuel Hardt, local government officials of Bong and Lofa counties and the UNDP representatives.