Liberia Plans First Local Government Training Institute to Improve Service Delivery

BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County, — Liberia is moving toward establishing its first Local Government Training Institute (LGTI), an initiative intended to strengthen the professional skills of local government officials and improve public service delivery across the country.

Deputy Minister for Local Government and Decentralization Edward K. Mulbah announced the initiative Monday during a curriculum development ceremony in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, describing the proposed institute as an important step toward building a more professional and accountable local government system.

The institute is expected to provide specialized training for mayors, county superintendents, county council members, city inspectors, marriage registrars, and other local government officials.

The initiative comes amid efforts to strengthen decentralization and address administrative challenges affecting local authorities, including revenue collection, sanitation management, public financial accountability, and citizen participation in local decision-making.

According to Mulbah, establishing a permanent training institution would help reduce reliance on short-term, donor-supported capacity-building programs while providing local government personnel with continuous professional development.

The proposed curriculum will cover budgeting, revenue collection, sanitation management, public financial management, and local governance.

These areas are intended to equip local officials with the skills needed to manage public resources, strengthen municipal administration, and respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.

Professional Training Proposed for Local Government Officials

Beyond basic training, the proposed institute is expected to offer professional certification and diploma programs for local government workers.

Plans also include establishing a research hub to collect and analyze data on local government performance, which could help policymakers identify administrative weaknesses and develop evidence-based solutions.

The initiative is also expected to promote inclusive governance by preparing local officials to involve women, young people, and persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.

Mulbah emphasized that strengthening the capacity of local authorities is essential to improving accountability and making decentralization more effective across Liberia.

The institute is expected to support the implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018 and contribute to the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

If established and adequately resourced, the institution could provide a more structured approach to developing the skills required to manage local affairs, oversee public funds, and deliver essential services.

Ministry Outlines Steps Toward Establishment

Meanwhile, Faith Nuwehli Siakor, Director of Training and Capacity Building at the Ministry of Local Government, outlined the next steps required to advance the proposal.

She said the technical team would consolidate concept papers and draft documents prepared by the Technical Working Group, identify an interim location for training activities, and develop plans for a permanent facility.

The Ministry is also considering its existing relationship with the University of Liberia as a possible avenue for securing a temporary training location.

According to Siakor, a formal partnership framework between the Ministry and the University of Liberia would be developed to define the responsibilities of both institutions in establishing and operating the proposed institute.

The Technical Working Group is expected to submit a consolidated report and implementation roadmap to the Minister of Local Government, detailing the steps needed to move the initiative from planning toward operation.

Decentralization and Service Delivery in Focus

The proposed institute represents an effort to strengthen the human resources needed to implement decentralization and improve the administration of local government across Liberia.

By equipping local officials with specialized knowledge in public finance, revenue generation, sanitation, and community engagement, the initiative aims to address capacity gaps that can affect service delivery at the municipal and county levels.

However, the institute’s establishment will depend on progress in finalizing its framework, identifying suitable training facilities, defining institutional partnerships, and advancing the implementation plan.

For now, the initiative remains at the planning and curriculum development stage.

If successfully established, the Local Government Training Institute could create a long-term framework for professional development among local government officials and contribute to efforts to make local administration more accountable, inclusive, and responsive to citizens.