"Take Charge or Step Aside": Government Criticizes County Councils in Ganta Fiscal Decentralization Training

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: In a high-stakes training that doubled as a direct ultimatum, the Government of Liberia, represented by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), issued a stark ultimatum to County Council Members during a critical three-day Fiscal Decentralization and Public Financial Management training in Ganta, Nimba County.

By: Abraham Sylvester Panto

The session highlighted the widening gap between the legal authority entrusted to local officials and the chronic underperformance that continues to undermine Liberia’s ambitions for equitable, decentralized governance.

Dr. Romeo Gbartee, Director of Fiscal Decentralization at the MFDP, delivered a pointed critique of the current council leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for behavioral reform alongside technical competence.

“If you have anger issues, tell us. Be productive. Don’t be unproductive,” Direct Gbartee declared, rejecting excuses and exposing the corrosive effect of internal conflicts and mismanagement on local development.

He stressed that County Councils now wield real power under the Local Government Act, responsible for budget approval and overseeing county development plans.

“The County Development Agenda is on your lap,” the Finance Ministry Director reminded officials, underscoring that their failure to lead decisively jeopardizes not only local progress but national stability.

For his part, United Nations Development Program Decentralization Focal Point, Eric Boykai, reinforced the demand for performance-driven leadership.

“Your work is so important that people are now fighting you to do your job,” he warned, referencing escalating tensions between councils and other local authorities.

Boykai made clear that UNDP support will continue, but only for those who demonstrate transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

He highlighted that holding office is meaningless without delivering real governance improvements. “You represent the Liberian people in a unique governance system. Representation without results is a betrayal of public trust,” he said bluntly.

On behalf of the participants, Madam Esther J. S. Clarke, Co-Chair of the Margibi County Council, embraced the message and called for sweeping changes in council operations.

“Decentralization is a mandate, not a choice,” Clarke asserted, urging fellow council members to stop internal sabotage, enforce discipline, and use their legal powers to drive development effectively.

Madam Clarke also demanded that trainings be paired with rigorous monitoring and public accountability to ensure council performance matches their newfound responsibilities. “Capacity-building without enforcement breeds complacency,” she cautioned.

The training comprehensively covered fiscal decentralization components, including taxation, budget management, service delivery, and legal mandates outlined in the Local Government Act of 2018.

Participants were made aware that failure to exercise these responsibilities would constitute neglect, not merely inexperience.

Funded by Sweden, Ireland, and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and UNDP, the initiative forms part of Liberia’s broader effort to institutionalize decentralization, promote inclusive governance, and address rural marginalization.

Yet success hinges entirely on whether County Councils can shed political dysfunction and govern with integrity.