As Finance Ministry Conducts Public Engagement On Fiscal Decentralization
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia —Margibi County Superintendent, Ojay Morris has welcomed the full implementation of the government’s decentralization process, describing it as a perfect milestone in improving access to public services and accelerating development across the country.
Speaking during a public engagement on “Fiscal Decentralization, Budget Disaggregation and Fiscal Rules,” Superintendent Morris emphasized that the initiative will simplify the process for Liberians and foreign nationals residing in the county to obtain essential government documents needed for business operations and other activities.
“The decentralization process will make it easier for our citizens and foreign residents to access government services. This is a major step toward bringing government closer to the people,” Superintendent Morris said.
According to him, the initiative will also expedite development in Margibi County by ensuring that neglected government projects, ongoing programs, and future development initiatives receive greater attention and faster implementation.
“With the full operation of decentralization policies, citizens in Margibi will begin to benefit directly from essential social services provided by government institutions,” he added.
The public awareness engagement was organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in collaboration with the Ministry of Local government headed by Margibi County superintendent Morris.
Providing an overview of the government’s fiscal decentralization and budget disaggregation initiative, Dr. Romeo Gbartea, Director of the Fiscal Decentralization Unit at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, called on spending ministries and government agencies to fully support the exercise.
“Decentralization will strengthen the operations of government institutions in the counties and improve the delivery of services to local communities,” Dr. Gbartea said.
He urged representatives of government agencies to demonstrate love, care, and commitment in handling government programs and services across the country.
Also speaking at the event, Eric Boykai, National Program Coordinator of the Liberia Decentralization Support Program under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reaffirmed the organization’s continued support for government decentralization programs across Liberia.
“The UNDP remains committed to supporting the government’s decentralization agenda, which is key to sustainable development and inclusive governance,” Boykai stated.
The engagement brought together representatives of various line ministries and government agencies operating in Margibi County, reflecting a collective commitment to the successful implementation of fiscal decentralization in the region.