Published: April 3, 2026
MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia, through its Fiscal Decentralization Unit, has validated the County Treasury Financial and Operational Manual, marking a significant step toward strengthening fiscal decentralization, transparency and service delivery across all 15 counties.
Speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony G. Myers described the validation as a “critical component” of the government’s decentralization agenda.
“My comments and those made here today clearly show broad support for this process,” Myers said. “Decentralization and service delivery remain at the core of national policy direction.”
He acknowledged ongoing challenges but said Liberia has made measurable progress over the past two years, including establishing county councils nationwide and strengthening administrative structures at the local level.
According to Myers, institutions such as the Fiscal Decentralization Unit and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department have been instrumental in laying the foundation for county treasury operations.
Expansion of County Treasuries
Myers disclosed that the government plans to expand treasury services, with six additional county treasuries expected to become operational before the end of the year—raising the total from four to 10.
The long-term goal, he said, is to ensure all counties have functional treasury offices by 2027.
“This is a year of action,” he said. “We must move beyond consultations and begin delivering tangible results, including financial transactions at the county level.”
He added that funding for the initiative has already been allocated in the national budget, with procurement processes underway and technical preparations largely completed.
UNDP Commends Process
Representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen commended the government for what he described as a highly consultative process.
“It is rare to see a validation with so few points of contention,” Kuukpen said. “This shows the level of stakeholder engagement.”
He stressed the need for sustained capacity building and investment in digital systems to ensure the effectiveness of county treasuries. He also pointed to infrastructure gaps, noting that some county offices remain in poor condition.
“We cannot talk about development without decentralization,” he said, urging adequate financing for county development initiatives.
Call for Faster Implementation
Also speaking, Deputy Minister for Local Government and Decentralization-designate Edward K. Mulbah called for accelerated implementation of decentralization policies, noting that progress remains slow nearly eight years after key legislation was passed.
“We must be deliberate and intentional,” Mulbah said. “The burden is on central government institutions to ensure that decentralization becomes a reality.”
He urged faster action on key measures, including appointing fiscal board members and devolving responsibilities to county authorities.
Agencies Pledge Support
Officials from the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Internal Audit Agency pledged support for the rollout of the manual, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.
They highlighted persistent challenges, including inadequate facilities and staffing at county-level offices, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening systems and compliance.
Framework for Local Financial Management
The validated manual will guide the establishment, staffing and operation of county treasuries, covering financial management, procurement, auditing and budgeting processes.
Authorities say its implementation will improve the management of public resources at the local level and better align development initiatives with county priorities.
Dr. Romeo Gbartea, director of the Fiscal Decentralization Unit, called for sustained commitment to decentralization, noting that it will deliver long-term benefits and leave a lasting institutional legacy.
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