A three-day National Chiefs’ Conference intended to brief traditional leaders about Government’s development agenda gets underway on Monday.
The conference is being supported by the Carter Center and is expected to take place in Ganta, Nimba County.
An Internal Affairs Ministry press release says the conference will be held under the theme: “What is meant by the Pro-Poor Agenda; and What is Expected of the Traditional Chiefs and Elders of Liberia”.
About 200 participants are expected to attend the event including senior traditional leaders from all 15 counties, members of the National Council of Chiefs, paramount chiefs, Clan chiefs, General town chiefs, Traditional women leaders and members Tribal Governors Council of Liberia among others.
The Ganta Conference will bring different government leaders to explain to traditional leaders Government’s development plans under the Pro-poor Agenda for Development and Prosperity, how it will impact rural communities and expected roles of traditional leaders.
The Chairman of the organizing Committee Mr. D. Emmanuel Wheinyue says heads of Ministries, Agencies and Commissions will inform the participants on what their specific mandate areas area in relation to the Pro-Poor Agenda.
According to Mr. Wheinyue, Internal Affairs Minister Honorable Varney A. Sirleaf’s decision to hold the conference is based on his observation which reveals a total misinterpretation of the Pro-poor Agenda in some quarters.
The Internal Affairs Minister will use the gathering to seek support from traditional leaders to actively support President George M. Weah and the pro-poor agenda. The Ganta Conference is expected to be graced by development partners and some diplomatic missions.
The forum will witness presentation from the Ministers and heads of agencies including; Finance & Development Planning, Justice, Education, Health, Gender & Social Protection, and Information. Others are: Governance commission, Liberia Land Authority, Liberia Revenue Authority, Liberia National Police and Liberia Immigration Service.
Meanwhile Internal Affairs Minister Varney Sirleaf has called on the traditional leaders and chiefs to take the consultation seriously so as to get an appreciation of the Pro-poor Agenda for Development and Prosperity.
The conference is also expected to adequately educate their people upon their return to their respective counties and communities, according to the Internal Affairs Ministry.