Government Reinforces Commitment to Inclusive Governance through National Development Plan Consultations

Monrovia, Liberia - Data collection for the formulation of a National Development Plan (ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development) and its implementation has received a major pledge of support.  

At one of the consultations in Saclepea, Nimba County, Swedish Ambassador Urban Sjöström expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of a grassroots approach to national development. 

Ambassador Sjöström said the consultations are a bottom-to-top approach to national development planning and reassured the Liberian Government of Sweden’s commitment to supporting not only the planning but also the implementation of the plan.

Nimba County Superintendent Hon. Kou Meapeh Gono echoed the Swedish Ambassador’s sentiment, emphasizing the plan’s focus on community empowerment. Superintendent Gono told the gathering that the process represents the devolution of authority to the people to plan their development needs. 

Superintendent Gono asserted that no idea is less important. She also urged the people of Saclepea District and adjoining districts to plan for their communities to county level, as well as at the national level.

Meanwhile, in Lofa County, Superintendent J. Lavelah Massaquoi speaking at the Zorzor consultation admonished the people of the Zorzor and Salayea districts, and other nearby communities to maintain open mind during the discussions. 

Superintendent Massaquoi encouraged the people to capture all their needs and basic necessities they lack throughout the districts during the consultative discussions.   

The consultations underscores a collective commitment to ensuring that every level of society has a voice in shaping the future, marking a significant step in the ARREST Agenda's implementation.