“Government Shows Strong Commitment to Fiscal Decentralization,” says Dr. Romeo Gbarteah

MONROVIA, LIBERIA:  Dr. Romeo Gbarteah, the Director of Fiscal Decentralization at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has praised the Unity Party-led government for its intentional and strategic implementation of the Local Government Act. He emphasized that this initiative is designed to strengthen decentralization and enhance governance at the local level.

Dr. Gbarteah noted that the government's actions reflect a strong political will to empower local communities by transferring decision-making authority and resources closer to them.

“The Unity Party-led government has demonstrated a clear commitment to the deliberate implementation of the Local Government Act. This commitment is evident in the concrete steps being taken to strengthen decentralization throughout the country,” stated Dr. Gbarteah.

He stated that the 2025 National Budget includes specific provisions for the construction of County Treasury Offices in all counties, which will be located within County Service Centers across the nation.

“For the first time, the national budget allocates funds for the construction of County Treasury Offices situated at County Service Centers, making government financial services more accessible to our citizens,” he explained.

Dr. Gbarteah emphasized that the County Treasury Offices are designed to serve as one-stop service centers. They will bring together personnel from various government ministries, agencies, and commissions to enhance efficiency and coordination.

“These offices will function as comprehensive service centers, with staff drawn from different ministries and agencies, to reduce delays, improve transparency, and enhance service delivery at the county level,” he added.

Dr. Gbarteah highlighted that the establishment of County Treasury Offices aligns with key provisions of the Local Government Act, particularly those concerning fiscal decentralization and local public financial management.

“This represents a significant milestone in the implementation of the Local Government Act, as it enhances fiscal decentralization and enables counties to effectively manage their resources according to local priorities,” he stated.

He also commended President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for renaming the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Local Government, calling this change both symbolic and practical.

“The decision by President Boakai to rename the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Local Government is not simply symbolic; it demonstrates a clear policy direction toward decentralization and effective local governance,” Dr. Gbarteah remarked.

He further noted that the ministry’s mandate will now concentrate entirely on local governance and decentralization.

“Moving forward, the ministry will prioritize local governance and decentralization to ensure that governance is more accessible to the people,” he stated.

Dr. Gbarteah emphasized the government’s commitment to fully implementing the Local Government Act, highlighting that decentralization is essential for promoting inclusive development, accountability, and enhanced public service delivery throughout Liberia.