“This training is a vital step toward the effective implementation of the Local Government Law. Without a proper understanding of the law, decentralization cannot succeed,” said Grand Bassa County Superintendent Mr. Karyou Johnson at the conclusion of a three-day workshop for local government officials held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The workshop was themed “Strengthening Local Government through Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability.”
Superintendent Johnson emphasized that decentralization is a cornerstone for development, infrastructure growth, and human resource advancement.
He encouraged participants to use the knowledge they gained to promote accountability and transparency in their respective counties.
Participants reflected on the workshop’s impact, noting a newfound awareness of corrupt practices that have become normalized in public service delivery, particularly in sectors like healthcare.
They acknowledged that such practices, if left unchecked, perpetuate corruption and undermine service quality.
The workshop also deepened participants’ understanding of the role of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the responsibilities of citizens in combating corruption.
They learned that the LACC is tasked with preventing and prosecuting corruption, as well as promoting good governance and the rule of law.
Citizens, they noted, must act as watchdogs by reporting corrupt acts through tools such as the Talkay Mobile App and community-based suggestion boxes.
LACC Vice Executive Chairperson Mr. Ernest Hughes stressed that fighting corruption is a shared responsibility. “This is an opportunity for each of you to become advocates for accountability, integrity, and transparency,” he said.
“As local officials, you are often the first point of contact between the government and the public. Your conduct sets the tone for trust in government, and therefore, integrity, professionalism, and responsiveness must guide your leadership.”
During a presentation on asset declaration, Ms. Patricia Barnaby, LACC’s Asset Declaration and Verification Officer, explained that asset declaration is a multipurpose tool designed to prevent conflicts of interest, detect unjustified wealth, and promote integrity in public service.
She highlighted that declaring assets helps public officials avoid unwarranted accusations and builds public confidence in leadership.
UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Mr. Aliou Dia added a personal perspective, stating, “Accountability begins at home. Just as family members must justify their spending for the benefit of the household, government officials must account to the public.”
He emphasized that corruption is more than a financial issue—it is a barrier to human development. “It drains resources from classrooms, clinics, and roads, weakens institutions, and erodes trust between citizens and the state. In Liberia, where local officials are the face of public service delivery, your leadership is indispensable.”
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the workshop, stating that the knowledge gained would empower them to serve as whistleblowers and agents of change in their counties. Certificates of participation were awarded at the end of the training.
Mr. John R. Dennis, UN Peacebuilding Fund Programme Coordinator for Liberia, congratulated the participants for their dedication and expressed confidence in their ability to apply the lessons learned to help build a corruption-free Liberia.
Superintendent Johnson also thanked the LACC and UNDP Liberia for organizing the workshop, noting that success in fighting corruption depends on civil society organizations playing their role as watchdogs and whistleblowers.
The workshop brought together approximately 60 local government officials, including superintendents from Margibi, Rivercess, and Grand Bassa Counties.
It was facilitated by the LACC in collaboration with UNDP, with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
