Government Decentralization Picking Up Steam in Earnest -Senate passes Act Establishing Ministry of Local Government

The Liberian Senate, under the leadership of Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, in demonstrating its espousal to government decentralization policy aimed at improving the delivery of social services and promoting good governance principles in Liberia, and promoting transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and access to justice at the local level, has passed the long-awaited act creating the Ministry of Local Government.

The House of Elders repealed the act establishing the Ministry of internal Affairs by passing

 the act to create and establish in its stead the Ministry of local government, consistent with the local government Act of 2018 to give effect to and implement the provisions of the local government Act which devolves more power and authority to local governments and enables more participants of citizens and local authorities in the governance of the country.

Notwithstanding the repeal of the act establishing the Internal Affairs Ministry, it is noted that any contract, order, decision or anything made or done by the Ministry of Internal Affairs before the coming into force of the act which was duly authorized in keeping with the repealed and amended Acts and executive orders shall be valid and continue to be in full force and effect as if made or done under the act.

Mandate of the Ministry

The new Ministry of Local Government shall be responsible for providing executive oversight of local governments, specifically in their management of balanced, socio-economic development programs, empowerment of local communities, strengthening the delivery of social services, and the promotion and delivery of good governance, including popular participation, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and access to justice at local levels.

It shall be responsible also for providing executive oversight of peacebuilding, promotion of reconciliation, local cohesion, and national unification and integration to ensure sustainable peace, development and political stability.