Monrovia, Liberia - The Deputy Minister for Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Development, Hon. Tanneh Brunson has disclosed that the Government of Liberia will remain more robust in order to support fiscal transparency and public participation during the ongoing budget process.
She made the disclosure at the opening of a two days fiscal Transparency Advisory Group Meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, held at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia.
According to Hon. Brunson, since 2006 Liberia has been making steady progress in demonstrating its commitment to fiscal transparency and public participation but was timely in all financial reports and documentations.
“We were also engaged in providing formal opportunities for public engagement in financial management through the Open Budget Initiative’’ she said.
She thanked the intervention of partners, especially the USAID- LEAD, and GIFT and went on to urge partners also to provide substantive support to enable the Government of Liberia address recommendations from the Assessment of Liberia’s fiscal transparency ecosystem that was conducted.
She said: “I am calling on Government institutions and Civil Societies Organizations who are involved with fiscal transparency to remain fully engaged in the process of putting Liberia back on the right path to national renewal.”
For his part, LEAD Chief of Party, Mr. George Alk explained that Global initiative for fiscal transparency define public participation as “different ways through which direct public interaction with public authorities in designing, implementing and reviewing policies.”
He said “Public participation is an important aspect of fiscal transparency and it has received increased attention globally. It actually serves as both a means and an end to a functional democratic government which plays a critical role in promoting inclusivity in fiscal decision making.”
The LEAD Chief further noted that public participation in fiscal policy and budget making process is a fundamental right but open and inclusive public participation assures greater transparency and gives a voice to members of the public and civil society organizations.
He encouraged stakeholders to embrace fiscal transparency and public participation, because it strengthens governance structures and institutions.
“To foster trust between citizens and Governments, let us enhance economic stability and attract foreign investments by demonstrating a commitment to accountable fiscal management, empower citizens by giving them a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives. Because this drives sustainable development by ensuring that public resources are allocated efficiently and equitably”, Mr. Alk stressed.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Budget and Development Planning, Hon. Tanneh G. Brunson, LEAD Chief of Party, Hon. George Alk, USAID Representative, Raqueal Ferreira, Network Manager GIFT, civil societies Organizations and members of the Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group,