Deputy Minister Brunson Stresses Importance of Legislative Participation in County Development Agendas

Monrovia, Liberia -– Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning, Tanneh G. Brunson, has underscored the crucial role of legislators in formulating County Development Agendas. 

She emphasized that the success of these initiatives ultimately hinges on active participation and political direction from lawmakers. 

During her remarks at the conclusion of consultations with legislators regarding the crafting of the National Development Plans, Hon. Brunson highlighted the significance of their insights and oversight.

 Notably, she pointed out that the consultation process is designed to integrate views and feedback from their constituents.

 “While our consultations were thorough, we understand that no process can capture every facet of society,” she stated, urging lawmakers to provide guidance based on their findings. 

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Brunson described the engagement with legislators as a collaborative opportunity to refine development strategies, thereby ensuring inclusivity in the planning process. 

“These discussions have been transformative, providing invaluable insights that will shape the development trajectory of Liberia,” she added. 

In their responses, the Chairpersons of the Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, and Nimba Legislative Caucuses—Senators Botoe Kanneh, Simeon B. Taylor, Thomas Yaya Nimley, and Representative Saye Mianah—hailed the Ministries of Finance, Development Planning, and Internal Affairs for organizing the consultations. 

The lawmakers, on behalf of their colleagues, called for the national budget to reflect the views and aspirations of the people. 

They also urged local leaders in their counties to collaborate in securing funds for various projects and programs. 

Ultimately, the consultations were part of the processes leading to the crafting of the National Development Plan (ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development), County Development Agendas, and the Public Sector Investment Plan, all aimed at creating a comprehensive framework for sustainable growth across the counties. 

Lawmakers from Liberia’s fifteen counties convened at a local hotel in Monrovia for three days to assess and provide their inputs based on findings from the District and County Consultations conducted by the Liberian government and its partners