Boakai Announces Salaries for Appointed Chiefs, County Buses at Local Governance Roundtable

Margibi County, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has announced that all appointed chiefs across Liberia will be placed on the government payroll beginning July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen local governance and rural development.

The President made the announcement on Monday while attending the International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development, jointly hosted by the Government of Liberia and the African-Asian Rural Development Organization in Margibi County.

The high-level gathering brought together county superintendents, traditional chiefs, government officials, and international development partners to discuss strategies for advancing decentralization, improving local governance, and promoting sustainable rural development across Liberia.

Speaking during the event, President Boakai said the government is committed to improving the welfare and effectiveness of traditional leaders, announcing that all appointed chiefs will begin receiving government salaries starting next month.

The Liberian leader also disclosed that buses will be provided in every county to facilitate the transportation of chiefs and elders to official programs and activities, a move aimed at enhancing their participation in governance and community development initiatives.

The roundtable focused on key areas including strengthening decentralization, enhancing transparency and accountability in local governance, promoting sustainable rural livelihoods, building local capacities through innovation, supporting local economic development, and fostering partnerships for lasting rural transformation.

Among senior government officials present at the event were Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Francis Nyumalin, along with local government representatives and international stakeholders.

The week-long forum, running from June 7–13, 2026, is being held under the theme: “Advancing Decentralization and Local Governance for Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Rural Communities.”