By Calvin Brooks
MONROVIA, Aug. 21 (LINA) – Irish Ambassador to Liberia Gerard Considine has called for stronger governance, accountability, and inclusive participation as Liberia advances its decentralization process.
Ambassador Considine made the remarks Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Sinkor, Monrovia during a National Dialogue on Decentralization in Liberia, where government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss ways of strengthening local governance and bringing government services closer to citizens.
According to him, the importance of accountable institutions and effective governance in achieving sustainable development in decentralization should empower communities to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.
He stressed that accountable institutions, good governance, and respect for the rule of law are essential to ensuring that development reaches people who are most in need.
Ambassador Considine encouraged stakeholders to work together to strengthen local institutions, improve transparency, and ensure that citizens have greater opportunities to participate in development planning and decision-making.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships between Liberia and its international development partners in supporting governance reforms.
He said inclusive participation can contribute to better resource allocation, improved public service delivery, and stronger accountability at the local level.
“Liberia’s decentralization agenda is anchored in the Local Government Act of 2018, which provides a framework for the gradual transfer of authority, responsibilities, and service-delivery functions to local governments,” he stated.
He narrated that the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the process, including the establishment of the National Decentralization Support Unit in January 2026 will go a long way in moving the country forward.
Ambassador Considine called for collaboration among government institutions, county authorities, civil society, development partners, and citizens to ensure that decentralization becomes a practical tool for inclusive development.
He maintained that a successful decentralization process should ultimately strengthen democracy at the grassroots level, improve service delivery, and give Liberians a greater voice in shaping the development of their communities.