Gbarnga, Bong County – An interactive dialogue aimed at strengthening local governance, promoting citizen oversight, and enhancing accountability through the implementation of the County Development Agenda (CDA) and Revenue Sharing Regulations was held in Bong County on October 18, 2025.
The event was organized by the Governance CSO Consortium, comprising Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG). The initiative forms part of the Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability Program, with support from the Embassy of Ireland.
The dialogue convened 45 key stakeholders, including representatives from the Bong County Administration, County Council, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), County Service Center, District Commissioners, as well as members of civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, the media, and persons with disabilities.
Enhancing Local Understanding and Citizen Participation
The session deepened participants’ understanding of the Local Government Act, Revenue Sharing Regulations, and the County Development Agenda (CDA). It also reviewed the status of approved county development projects and created a space to identify critical gaps and develop strategies to strengthen implementation. Participants emphasized the importance of active citizen participation in decision-making and monitoring processes.
Key highlights included presentations on Revenue Sharing Regulations, tax collection mechanisms, the mandate of the County Council, and the process of project selection and implementation in alignment with the CDA.
Participants acknowledged that there remains limited awareness of the County Council’s roles and responsibilities, with several members not adequately reporting back to their respective constituencies. Many attendees also disclosed that it was their first time learning about the Revenue Sharing Regulations and expressed appreciation for the policy, noting that its effective implementation could increase local revenue generation and create job opportunities for county residents.
Stakeholder Commitments and Perspectives
During the dialogue, Mr. Ambrose M. Boima, Senior Tax Collector of Bong County, underscored the importance of tax compliance, emphasizing that the county’s share of national revenue depends directly on the amount of local taxes collected.
“Proper tax compliance supports quality education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and overall community development,” he said. “However, some county leaders, including elected officials, have not fulfilled their tax obligations—sending the wrong message to citizens and discouraging compliance.”
In his remarks, Mr. Sam B. Elliot, County Administrative Officer, commended Naymote and the CSO Consortium for organizing the dialogue and pledged the county administration’s support to establish CDA Pillar Working Groups that will monitor and track project implementation. Naymote has committed to providing technical support to these groups.
Both the County Development Officer and County Finance Officer actively participated in the discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that as presidential appointees, their primary duty is to serve the people of Bong County.
For her part, Ms. Tenneh Francis, Treasurer of the Bong County Council, shared that the dialogue empowered her to more effectively advocate for gender-responsive budgeting:
“For too long, I have advocated for budgetary support to address gender-based violence and women’s issues, but my colleagues often argued that it was the responsibility of the national government. Now, I understand how the County Development Agenda supports these priorities, and I feel better equipped to push for funding,” she stated.
Naymote’s Continued Commitment
In closing, Mr. Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, reaffirmed Naymote’s ongoing commitment to strengthening accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in Bong County’s development process.
“We have listened to your recommendations and plan to organize more dialogues to build local capacity and deepen understanding of good governance practices,” Jarwolo said. “We will continue to mobilize the resources needed to establish CDA Pillar Working Groups and enhance CSO oversight of the Revenue Sharing Regulations.”
Mr. Jarwolo extended appreciation to the Bong County Civil Society Organizations, the County Council, and the County Administration for their collaboration in hosting the dialogue. He pledged to sustain these engagements to further strengthen local governance and accountability structures across Liberia.
About the Governance CSO Consortium:
The Governance CSO Consortium is a partnership among Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG). The Consortium works to promote democratic governance, enhance public accountability, and strengthen citizen participation in decision-making across Liberia.
