Published: June 19, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia – Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL) has sharply criticized a new bill from the House of Representatives seeking to amend the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018, calling it a deliberate attempt to centralize power and undercut local democracy. The organization warned that the bill would turn lawmakers into both “referee and player,” undermining transparency and accountability in local governance.
Harold Aidoo, Executive Director of IWL told a news conference Wednesday, June 18 in Monrovia that the legislature’s actions threaten to reverse decades of progress toward decentralization and participatory governance.
“This is not an oversight enhancement. This is a calculated regression,” Aidoo stated. “It politicizes development and silences community voices.”
Bill Strips Power from County Councils
Proposed amendment transfers budget and planning authority to lawmakers
The bill, introduced by Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan Sr., seeks to repeal Sections 2.2(e) and 2.2(f) of the LGA, which currently empower County Councils to approve budgets and oversee local development planning. Under the proposed changes, these powers would be handed over to County Legislative Caucuses.
Aidoo said the move dangerously blurs the line between legislative oversight and executive implementation.
“It removes decision-making from the communities and places it solely in the hands of politicians,” he warned.
Legislative Control Threatens Accountability
Integrity Watch warns of conflict of interest and corruption
According to Aidoo, past experiences—such as lawmakers’ involvement in implementing the County Development Fund (CDF)—prove how direct legislative control breeds corruption, conflict of interest, and unfinished projects.
“There’s clear evidence, including GAC reports, that when lawmakers control implementation, transparency disappears and misuse of funds becomes rampant,” he said.
He emphasized that real oversight means holding others accountable, not assuming their roles.
Local Government Act Was a Milestone
Law meant to empower citizens and decentralize governance
Enacted in 2018, the Local Government Act was hailed as a major step toward democratizing decision-making at the local level by establishing elected County Councils. Aidoo said this law was designed to improve public service delivery and civic participation.
“The Act was never perfect, but it was progress. Repealing its core provisions would be a betrayal of the people,” Aidoo noted.
Integrity Watch Plans Direct Engagement
Group to meet with Speaker Koon and House leadership
Aidoo revealed that IWL intends to meet with House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and other legislative leaders to discuss the damaging implications of the proposed bill. He called on lawmakers to strengthen existing systems rather than dismantle them.
“Let’s fix what’s broken — not destroy what we’ve built,” he said.
Civil Society Urged to Resist Legislative Overreach
IWL calls for united action to defend local democracy
Calling the bill “anti-decentralization and anti-democratic,” Aidoo urged citizens, civil society groups, traditional leaders, and international partners to rise up against what he called a creeping threat to local governance.
“This is not just about policy. This is about power — and who gets to exercise it,” he said. “Hands off the Local Government Act.”
He concluded with a rallying call:
“We stand firm. We stand united. And we say: No to legislative overreach. Yes to local democracy.”
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