By Jessica Cox
Monrovia, Liberia The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has intensified efforts to promote fiscal transparency and public participation through its Open Budget Initiative (OBI), launching citizen consultations in Bong and Nimba counties this year. The program seeks to provide updates on the implementation of the 2025 National Budget while soliciting public input to shape the 2026 fiscal year.
In Sanniquellie, Nimba County, the 2025 National Budget Outreach and FY2026 Pre-Budget Consultation kicked off on October 4, 2025. Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Hon. Anthony G. Myers, who formally launched the initiative, described the national budget as a “key policy tool” for advancing Liberia’s development under the Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
“The budget is the tool for decentralization,” Deputy Minister Myers said. “It provides resources for County Development Agendas, builds schools, improves healthcare, supports farmers, creates jobs, maintains roads, and delivers essential services.”
He emphasized that public engagement in budgeting is both a constitutional and legal requirement, citing Article 7 of the Liberian Constitution and the 2011 amendment to the Public Financial Management Law. Myers highlighted decentralization, road development, and citizen-centered consultations as key priorities under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
“The National Budget may seem technical, but it reflects our collective priorities and aspirations,” he said. “It is about the quality of education our children receive, the strength of our healthcare system, the roads that connect our communities, and the opportunities that improve our daily lives.”
In Bong County, a similar engagement was held in Gbarnga, bringing together local leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, civil society actors, and residents to review ongoing projects and provide feedback for the 2026 budget. The Bong County consultations emphasized inclusiveness, with civil society and community leaders ensuring independent oversight and accountability.
Officials noted that the engagement process builds upon earlier consultations that informed the County Development Agenda, which identifies local priorities and aligns them with national development goals under the AAID. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and promote awareness of the budget process within their communities.
“Today’s conversation is about you,” an MFDP representative told Bong County participants. “When we go to the Legislature with the budget, lawmakers often ask if we have consulted the people. These meetings ensure that every citizen’s voice is reflected in the national budget.”
In both counties, discussions focused on critical areas such as road construction, healthcare, education, agricultural support, and ways to monitor the allocation and use of public funds at the local level. The government pledged to continue similar county-level consultations nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to decentralization, inclusivity, and participatory governance.
