By Jerromie S. Walters 

In a bid to enhance fiscal transparency and public engagement in the budget process of the Government of Liberia, the United States Agency for International Development (USA) has partnered with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). Through its Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) Activity in Liberia, USAID officially joined this initiative on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, with a commitment to advancing fiscal transparency and public participation in budget procedures within Liberia.

USAID’s involvement will be demonstrated by providing technical support to the government in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT) program under the International Budget Partnership (IBP). This collaboration has been deemed crucial in fostering trust and promoting sustainable development.

In a statement at the 2024 Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group engagement, George Aki, Chief of Party of USAID – LEAD, emphasized the paramount importance of fiscal transparency and public participation in fortifying accountable governance. Aki highlighted how these principles are not mere ideals but indispensable foundations for establishing trust, ensuring responsibility, and bolstering sustainable growth in the governance sphere.

Addressing the attendees, Aki underscored the crucial role of public participation as both a means and an end to a well-functioning democratic system, stressing its significance in fostering inclusivity in fiscal decision-making processes. He cited the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency’s definition of public participation and emphasized its increasing global recognition as a critical component of fiscal transparency.

Aki asserted that direct public engagement in fiscal policy and budget formulation is a fundamental entitlement, reiterating that open and inclusive participation promotes greater transparency and empowers citizens and civil society organizations by providing them a platform to voice concerns. He emphasized that governments sharing information openly on budgetary matters is vital, as governmental financial decisions have profound implications for economies and societies at large.

Moreover, Aki highlighted the challenges faced by governments due to weak institutions and socio-economic disparities. He emphasized that adopting fiscal transparency and promoting public participation can help in strengthening governance institutions, building trust between citizens and governments, ensuring economic stability, attracting foreign investments through accountable fiscal management, and empowering marginalized groups by involving them in policy-making processes affecting their lives.

George Aki, Chief of Party of USAID-LEAD, emphasized the critical importance of enhancing economic stability, attracting foreign investment, and fostering sustainable development in Liberia. In a statement, Aki outlined key strategies to achieve these goals, including demonstrating a commitment to accountable fiscal management, empowering citizens, particularly marginalized groups, and ensuring the efficient and equitable allocation of public resources.

Aki highlighted the need to give citizens a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives, emphasizing the role of public participation in driving inclusive and accountable governance. He stressed that fiscal transparency and public engagement are not merely ideals but essential components for building prosperous and inclusive societies.

He called upon stakeholders to embrace these principles and collaborate towards a brighter future for Liberia. He underlined the significance of working collectively to create a more inclusive, accountable, and prosperous society.

From her end, Madam Tanneh G. Brunson, Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, expressed during the USAID Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) Activity in Liberia, “We pledge to enhance fiscal transparency and public participation in Liberia’s budget procedures.”

She further highlighted Liberia’s consistent efforts since 2006 in showcasing dedication to fiscal transparency and public engagement. The country has strived to make almost all financial reports and documentation publicly available, along with creating formal avenues for the public to engage in financial management through initiatives like the Open Budget Initiatives (OBI). Liberia has also embraced the principles of open governance by joining various networks including the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the International Budget Partnership (IBP), and most recently in 2022, the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT).

The Fiscal Transparency Advisory is a collaborative initiative involving the USA LEAD Activity, GIFT, and Ministry of Finance Development Planning. It aims to reconvene the members of the Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group, make recommendations on effective public participation mechanisms in the budget process, explore opportunities, identify action points to enhance public participation in Liberia’s budgetary process and strengthen trust and relationships among FTAG members and other relevant stakeholders.

Madam Tanneh G. Brunson highlighted that citizens and CSO representatives for the first time put forward revenue expenditure recommendations, some of which were considered in the FY2023 National Budget and the FY2024 Draft Budget recently submitted to the National. These efforts led to significant enhancements in the country’s fiscal transparency ratings improved communication of budget information within the MFDP, and a better grasp of global standards for transparency and public participation.

She emphasized that the remarkable success achieved was a collective effort, made possible by the support of Civil Society and partners. While acknowledging these achievements, she acknowledged existing challenges that require a stakeholder approach for greater results in Liberia. Government nominees were reminded that institutions’ mandates and functions directly impact fiscal transparency scores, and collaboration with Civil Society Organizations, particularly in advocacy, is essential for positive outcomes.

The Fiscal Transparency Advisory is a collaborative initiative of the USAID LEAD Activity, GIFT, and the Ministry of Finance Development Planning that seeks to re-convene the members of the Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group; provide recommendations on designing effective public participation mechanisms in the budget

process, explore areas of opportunities, and identify action points for strengthening public participation in the budgetary process in Liberia, as well as build stronger trust and relationships among FTAG members and other relevant actors.

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