K.M. Barley Togba, National Program Coordinator on Friday, February 13, 2026, called on Liberian authorities to fully implement the Local Government Act of 2018 to ensure citizens’ participation and promote accountability in county development. Speaking on Magic Radio’s popular program Conversational Line, Togba highlighted the importance of respecting the spirit and intent of the law.
“Laws are not crafted in a vacuum,” Togba said, emphasizing that legislation is designed to address specific societal challenges. He noted that Section 2 of the Local Government Act arose from concerns over the management of County Social Development Funds during the first term of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, where the initial framework often favored lawmakers and project committees over ordinary citizens.
Togba maintained that the Act itself is sound and can accelerate county-level development if properly adhered to. “The law calls for citizens’ participation in all processes leading to the county annual budget and development agenda,” he said, urging government authorities to stop imposing their own interpretations that undermine citizen engagement.
He criticized lawmakers for diverting funds to their own initiatives, arguing that national resources should instead empower competent county institutions to conduct public awareness campaigns on the law. Togba further suggested that independent institutions, rather than County Council members, should monitor and evaluate county projects, reporting directly to citizens through town hall meetings.
“Funding for monitoring and evaluation should not be spent on vehicles for legislative teams,” he added. “Independent teams can ensure transparency while giving citizens firsthand insight into the progress of local projects.”
Touching on Section 2.10 of the Local Government Act, Togba highlighted the mandatory hiring of two support staff, an Administrative Officer and a Legal Officer, for local government structures. He expressed disappointment that this provision remains unfulfilled three years into the government’s term.
“These are ‘bread and butter’ issues focused on job creation,” Togba said. “The government should prioritize implementing existing legal provisions rather than issuing statements that insult citizens or deflect attention from poor governance.” He specifically called on Minister Augustine Ngafane to apologize to the Liberian people for any disrespect stemming from recent statements.
Togba also stressed that public officials must demonstrate respect for the people they serve. “Liberia belongs to all its citizens,” he said. “When officials undermine public confidence, they should be prepared to offer a public apology.”
He reminded Liberians of their constitutional right to pursue civil action, including legal measures to address misapplication of the Local Government Act. Togba urged citizens to hold authorities accountable while engaging constructively in county governance.
In closing, Togba reaffirmed the central message of his remarks: effective local governance and citizen empowerment require adherence to existing laws, transparency in project implementation, and respect for the people. “When the law is properly applied, citizens win, development accelerates, and democracy is strengthened,” he said.
