The final leg of the training took place on July 1–2, 2025, at the Zwedru City Hall in Grand Gedeh County. It brought together five representatives each from the County Accountability and Advocacy Teams (CAAT) of Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, River Cess, Sinoe, and Grand Gedeh.
Earlier phases of the initiative were held in Gbarnga, Bong County, covering Region 1, which includes the upper nine counties. The Zwedru session marked the completion of Region 2, focusing on Liberia’s southeastern counties.
Participants were trained to monitor the activities of government officials and public institutions and track the use of public resources. The program emphasized evidence-based advocacy and constructive engagement to hold local leaders accountable for their decisions and promises.
NAYMOTE’s Project Manager and lead facilitator, Bako Korboi Shuaibu Jr., urged participants to approach accountability through collaboration, not confrontation.
“We’re not training you to audit government officials in a confrontational way,” he said. “We want you to monitor, track, follow up with stakeholders, analyze, and report on findings. Your reports should be accurate, balance and transparent “.
Participants learned to use tools such as the Public Expenditure Tracking Survey (PETS), the National Budget, the County Development Fund (CDF), and the President Meter — a NAYMOTE initiative that tracks presidential commitments.
Jarwee N. Suku, Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh, welcomed the initiative, noting that it reinforces the importance of accountability in public service.
“When these kinds of initiatives are implemented, we as public officials are reminded to always be mindful of our responsibilities,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Albertine Siah pledged the group’s commitment to applying the skills acquired.
“As we return to our respective counties, we are ready to serve as volunteers and apply everything we have learned,” she said.
The training is part of NAYMOTE–Liberia’s broader mission to strengthen democratic accountability and enhance citizen participation. By equipping young people with practical tools and knowledge, the organization aims to ensure greater transparency and responsiveness at the local level.
By: Emmanuel T. Quiah
independent Probe Newspaper Maryland County Reporter.
