BudgIT Liberia has officially launched a program dubbed, “Governance Clinic” aimed at bringing together civil society organizations and key national stakeholders to discuss and address governance issues in the country.
The Governance Clinic was launched on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 on behalf of BudgIT Liberia in Monrovia by the Country Director for Accountability Lab Liberia, Lawrence Yealue
The Country Lead for BudgIT Liberia, Abraham Varney said the initiative creates a platform where experts, CSOs, state actors and stakeholders from different sectors can come together to identify, discuss and find sustainable solutions to governance issues in Liberia.
He added that it promotes civic engagement; enhances transparency, accountability, and effective governance and management of public resources.
Mr. Varney also noted that the event will bring together government officials, civil society actors, university students and experts in various governance fields to discuss fiscal governance and be held under the theme: “Promoting Fiscal Governance through Civic Engagement.”
According to him, the program will further bring to light the primary challenges and capacity gaps within Liberia’s fiscal space and budgetary processes.
The Country Lead for BudgIT Liberia indicated that it will facilitate dialogue and collaboration, by creating a space for open discussions between experts, CSOs, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and perspectives on fiscal governance.
He noted the platform will propose practical solutions by developing actionable recommendations to improve fiscal transparency and accountability, ensuring better governance and management of public funds
At the same time, Mr. Varney has outlined the expected outcome of the initiative.
He said it is expected to enhance understanding, noting that it will focus on a better comprehension of the fiscal governance landscape in Liberia.
The BudgIT Liberia boss indicated that it will recommend concrete and actionable solutions to improve fiscal governance, strengthen networks by improving collaboration and communication among stakeholders.
“This will increase civic engagement with greater involvement of citizens in governance processes and we will submit recommendations from the Discussion to the National Government for Consideration,” Mr. Varney noted.
In remarks, the Country Director for Accountability Lab Liberia, Lawrence Yealue lauded BudgIT Liberia for the innovative efforts created, adding that it will address those major national issues that border on governance across the country.
Also speaking, the Head of Secretariat or Open Government Partnership, G. Ralph Jimmeh pledged the institution’s fullest cooperation in this effort, terming it as timely and welcoming in the interest of the country.
“This will actually help to address the nightmares we as a people, continue to encounter on a daily basis in the governance process of our country to bring relief to the society,” Mr. Jimmeh stressed.
