By Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and supported by the United Nations and the Government of Sweden, concluded a series of consultation meetings on Thursday to discuss the creation of the county development agenda and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The consultations, which took place between July 22 and August 15, 2024, focused on gathering community input on development priorities for Montserrado County. The closing ceremony was held at the William Richard Tolbert, III, Christian Fellowship Hall in Bentol City, Montserrado County. This initiative involved multiple ministries, agencies, and stakeholders working together to modify the consultation document based on feedback from local residents.
Participants included women’s groups, youth organizations, traditional chiefs, local government officials, business leaders, individuals with disabilities, and Liberians living abroad. The discussions, which occurred concurrently in all 15 counties, highlighted key priorities such as health, TVET and programmatic education, and paved roads, along with agriculture and sanitation.
Deputy Minister for Budget Development Planning, Tanneh G. Brunson, emphasized that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai is committed to a more inclusive approach to development planning. The president believes that citizens should have a direct role in shaping development projects rather than having decisions made solely by policymakers.
The United Nations affirmed its support for the ARREST Agenda and the Government of Liberia’s Vision 2030. UN Representative underscored the importance of effective development cooperation, focusing on aid effectiveness, ownership, mutual accountability, and sustainable development.
Kate Thomson, Deputy Head of Mission and Development Counsellor at the UK Embassy, praised the consultation mechanisms, noting that they would facilitate a clear understanding of community needs and improve the lives of Liberians.
Ambassador Beng’yela Augustine Gang, representing the diplomatic community and the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon, highlighted the potential of rural Montserrado County as a key agricultural hub. He suggested that focusing on agricultural pursuits such as poultry farming and vegetable cultivation could boost the local economy and create job opportunities.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
