Published: August 6, 2025
PAYNESVILLE — Naymote Partners for Democratic Development is urging the national government to significantly increase funding for county development, calling for $1 million to be allocated to each of Liberia’s 73 electoral districts.
Eddie D. Jarwolo, executive director of Naymote, made the appeal in a report released following nationwide assessments conducted by trained Social Accountability Monitors. The proposed allocation would total $73 million, up from the current $186,666 per county.
“The current funding is grossly inadequate to meet the needs of citizens at the local level,” Jarwolo said. “We’re calling on the government to prioritize county development and revisit the national budget to ensure every district gets the resources it needs.”
Monitors Track Progress and Gaps
Social Accountability Monitors, trained and deployed by Naymote, have been tracking development initiatives, auditing public service delivery, and engaging local leaders to ensure transparency in the use of public funds. Their work has shed light on long-standing infrastructure challenges and revitalized abandoned government projects.
Jarwolo cited the Gbarma Health Center in Gbarpolu County, which had been stalled since 2017. “Due to citizen pressure and increased scrutiny, construction has resumed,” he said.
Other monitors, he noted, have made strides in Lofa County by improving public access to government data, and in Maryland County by promoting accountability in the administration of county development funds.
Digital Tools and Grassroots Accountability
The initiative is heavily reliant on digital tools to foster civic engagement. “Leveraging technology, these monitors are enhancing citizen participation, promoting accountable governance, and fostering inclusive development nationwide,” Jarwolo said.
He added that the effort reflects a growing demand for citizen-led oversight and democratic accountability in local governance.
Call for Policy Shift
Naymote’s latest advocacy push builds on the belief that increased and equitable funding could transform Liberia’s underdeveloped regions.
“By investing in county development, the government can unlock the full potential of local communities and promote sustainable development across Liberia,” Jarwolo said. “This is more than just funding, this is about restoring trust in government and strengthening democracy from the ground up.”
Naymote said it will continue to mobilize citizens, monitor public spending, and push for reforms to ensure that county development funding is aligned with the needs and aspirations of the Liberian people.
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