MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through its Fiscal Decentralization Unit, has taken a major step toward strengthening fiscal decentralization with the validation of the County Treasury Financial and Operational Manual—a framework aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery across all 15 counties.
Speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony G. Myers described the validation as a “critical component” in advancing the government’s decentralization agenda.
“My comments and those made here today clearly show broad support for this process,” Hon. Myers said. “Decentralization and service delivery remain at the core of national policy direction.”
He emphasized that while challenges persist, Liberia has made significant progress over the past two years, including the establishment of county councils nationwide and the strengthening of administrative structures at the local level. According to him, institutions such as the Fiscal Decentralization Unit and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department have played key roles in laying the groundwork for county treasury operations.
Hon. Myers disclosed that the government plans to expand treasury services, with six additional county treasuries expected to become operational before the end of the year, increasing the total from four to ten. The ultimate goal, he noted, is to ensure that all counties have functional treasury offices by 2027.
“This is a year of action,” he stressed. “We must move beyond consultations and begin delivering tangible results, including financial transactions at the county level.”
He added that resources for the initiative have already been allocated in the national budget, with procurement processes underway and technical preparations completed.
Representing the United Nations Development Program, Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen commended the government for what he described as a highly consultative and inclusive process.
“It is rare to see a validation with so few points of contention,” Mr. Kuukpen said. “This shows the level of engagement with stakeholders.”
He, however, stressed the need for capacity building and investment in digital systems to ensure the effectiveness of county treasuries.
He also called for improved infrastructure, noting that some county offices remain in poor condition.
“We cannot talk about development without decentralization,” he emphasized, urging the government to ensure adequate financing for county development agendas.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Local Government and Decentralization Designate Edward K. Mulbah highlighted the importance of accelerating implementation of decentralization policies, noting that progress remains below expectations nearly eight years after the passage of key legislation.
“We must be deliberate and intentional,” Hon. Mulbah urged. “The burden is on central government institutions to ensure that decentralization becomes a reality.”
He called for faster action on measures such as appointing fiscal board members and devolving responsibilities to county authorities.
Officials from the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Internal Audit Agency also pledged support for the rollout of the manual, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach. They highlighted challenges including inadequate facilities and staffing at county-level offices, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening systems and compliance.
The validated manual is expected to guide the establishment, staffing, and operation of county treasuries, including financial management, procurement, auditing, and budgeting processes.
Authorities say its implementation will help ensure that public resources are managed more efficiently at the local level and that development initiatives are better aligned with county priorities.
For his part, Dr. Romeo Gbartea, Director of the Fiscal Decentralization Unit, called for sustained efforts toward decentralization, noting that such commitment would create a lasting legacy for government actors and deliver long-term benefits for future generations.
With broad stakeholder backing and international support, the government is now entering the implementation phase bringing fiscal services closer to citizens and reinforcing accountability across Liberia’s decentralized governance system.
