The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has issued a strong and unequivocal call for the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Local Government Act of 2018.
Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative, Jeremiah Sokan put forth the Act.
The Sokan’s proposed amendment, which seeks to alter Subsections 2.2(e) and (f) relating to the approval and implementation of county development plans and budgets, has been met with stern opposition from the Council.
Members of the Council consider the move as a direct threat to the country’s ongoing decentralization process, citizens’ participation and local governance reforms.
In a press statement, the Council emphasized that the amendment not only undermines the principles of decentralization enshrined in law, but also jeopardizes the progress made toward equitable revenue-sharing, transparency, and accountability at the local level.
“The principles of decentralized governance are critical to the country’s path toward sustainable peace, inclusive development, and democracy.
“Rep. Sokan’s proposed amendment represents a backward step that could return us to a centralized system of control; one that history has proven ineffective and detrimental to national development,” the Council said.
According to NCSCL, empowering citizens to engage in decisions that directly affect their communities is at the heart of the Local Government Act.
The Council warned that any attempt to weaken the power of County Councils, the body currently responsible for approving county development plans and budgets, would reverse gains achieved through years of collaborative effort by the government and international development partners.
“This amendment risks eroding public trust and weakening institutions intended to serve the people. A centralized model of governance limits local governments’ ability to tailor solutions to community-specific needs, and it threatens the delivery of vital services in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure,” the Council added.
As an alternative, the NCSCL is urging members of the 55th Legislature to preserve and uphold the current provisions under Subsections 2.2(e) and (f), which serve as the legal backbone for local decision-making and participatory governance.
Rather than dismantling these mechanisms, the Council proposes a joint effort between the Legislature and Executive Branch to establish a fair and reasonable honorarium for County Council members to enhance their effectiveness.
“We believe the right path forward is not to dismantle what’s working, but to strengthen it. Supporting County Councils with appropriate compensation and capacity-building will ensure more effective and inclusive local development,” said Madam Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai, Chairperson of the NCSCL.
To reaffirm its stance, the Council called on members of the 55th Legislature, and all relevant stakeholders to reject the proposed amendments and safeguard the integrity of the Local Government Act of 2018.
“Together, we must continue to champion the country’s decentralization and democratic governance. Let us not lose the momentum we’ve built. The voices of Liberians must remain central to the nation’s development agenda,” the statement noted.
The NCSCL said it remains firm in its commitment to protecting the democratic space, ensuring inclusive governance, and empowering citizens to be active participants in the shaping of their local and national future.