By: Emmanuel T. Quiah
Maryland’s Reporter
Gbarnga, Bong County – June 25, 2025: NAYMOTE–Partners for Democratic Development has launched a two-day Social Accountability Monitoring Training in Gbarnga, Bong County, targeting 45 members of the County Accountability and Advocacy Teams (CAATs) from nine counties across Liberia. This event marks the start of Region One of the nationwide training series.
The training is part of NAYMOTE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance at the local level and is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia through funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The objective is to enhance the capacity of CAAT members to monitor, evaluate, and report on the performance of public officials and institutions, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery in their communities.
During his special remarks, Trokon Bryant, UNDP Project Manager, emphasized UNDP’s commitment to strengthening participatory governance.
He stated, “UNDP is proud to support this initiative, which equips citizens with the tools and knowledge to systematically monitor development projects, track public commitments, and hold local authorities accountable. This is essential for deepening peace and building public trust in government.”
The training sessions are designed to equip CAAT members with practical tools in areas such as:
Social auditing and citizen feedback mechanisms
Monitoring of County Development Plans and Reconciliation Plans
Community mobilization and advocacy strategies
Data collection, documentation, and reporting techniques
Upon completion of the training, participants will return to their respective counties to begin active community-level monitoring of the County Reconciliation Plans, government development promises, and County Development Plans. Their work will involve engaging local stakeholders, conducting field assessments, and providing reports that inform both citizens and policy-makers.
The Region One training includes CAAT members from the following counties: Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Margibi, Bassa, Gbarpolu, Bomi, Montserrado (rural), and River Cess.
Meanwhile, Region Two of the Social Accountability Monitoring Training is scheduled to take place in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, from July 1–2, 2025, and will include CAAT participants from the southeastern counties of Liberia.
NAYMOTE’s initiative reflects its broader mission to promote citizen engagement, democratic accountability, and inclusive development across Liberia.
