Published: February 11, 2026
MONROVIA, Liberia — In a bold push to position young professionals at the forefront of Liberia’s governance reforms, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, in collaboration with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), has officially launched the Governance and Anti-Corruption Fellowship (GAF) Program — a two-year initiative designed to nurture ethical, reform-minded leaders.
The program aims to strengthen democratic governance, enhance accountability systems and build a new generation of leaders equipped to drive anti-corruption reforms and institutional integrity across Liberia.
The fellowship was formally launched Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Civil Service Agency office at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The event brought together selected fellows from diverse professional backgrounds, senior government officials, civil society leaders, development partners, diplomats and members of the media.
A Call for Ethical Leadership
In his welcome remarks, Naymote Deputy Program Director Joshua Dennis Cleon emphasized that corruption remains one of the most significant threats to Liberia’s development trajectory.
Fellows and stakeholders at the launch
He said tackling corruption requires more than policies — it demands strong systems, ethical leadership and active collaboration.
“This program is designed to contribute to that effort by promoting transparency, strengthening oversight, and supporting reforms that enhance accountability across public institutions,” Cleon said. “At Naymote, we believe that sustainable governance reform is built through partnership, evidence-based advocacy, and citizen engagement.”
Cleon described the launch as more than ceremonial.
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders represented here to ensure that this program delivers meaningful impact and contributes to a more accountable and responsive public sector,” he added.
LACC: ‘Timely, Strategic and Necessary’
Delivering remarks on behalf of LACC Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, Commissioner Samuel F. Dakana described the fellowship as a critical milestone in Liberia’s democratic development.
“At a moment when public trust in institutions is both essential and fragile, this fellowship represents a deliberate investment in the one force that can truly transform systems: people principled, prepared, and committed leaders,” Dakana said.
He stressed that the GAF program is not merely a training initiative but a leadership platform designed to cultivate courageous and competent professionals.
“The collaboration between NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Development and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) reflects a model that Liberia must continue to strengthen-where state institutions and civil society work together to promote good governance, expand civic participation, and strengthen accountability,” he said.
Dakana reminded the fellows that their selection carries responsibility.
“But let me be clear: the fellowship is not a certificate to hang on the wall. It is a call to action.”
UNDP: ‘If You See Something, Say Something’
Formally launching the program, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia urged fellows to remain truthful and courageous.
“This is a big responsibility for you to make sure that it is time to challenge and use the influences you have to bring onboard your colleagues on the social media, in your offices, and you need to speak out,” Dia said. “If you see something, say something.”
He warned fellows about the moral crossroads they will face.
“When you stand, you are not standing for yourself; you are standing for the entire nation, standing for Liberia and remember that nobody is going to remember who you are what title you carry but people most likely remember what actions have you done for the nation.”
Ireland: From Training to Transformation
Representatives of the Embassies of Sweden, Ireland and Germany expressed support for the initiative.
The Embassy of Ireland highlighted Liberia’s youthful population, noting that with nearly three-quarters of citizens under age 35, the country stands at a defining moment.
“These fellows will return to their communities not merely as graduates, but as ambassadors of a movement. They will carry tools, networks, and the confidence to lead change. Their work will show that good governance is not a distant ideal. It is a tangible reality,” an embassy official said.
“Ireland’s partnership with Liberia is rooted in our shared values. That every person deserves institutions that serve the common good. Public resources must be managed honestly, and that trust is the greatest inheritance we can leave.”
CSOs Challenge Fellows: ‘Refuse to Be Bought’
Speaking on behalf of civil society organizations, Lawrence Yealue, head of AccountabilityLab Liberia, delivered one of the most direct and passionate messages of the day.
“Today, you should refuse to be bought, you should refuse for your mindset to be realigned with corruption, you should also refuse to settle for the crumbs that will be given to you as a result of the corrupted and that our schools will be built, our roads will be constructed; you are the agents of change and I hope your agency will be structured on these few elements,” Yealue said.
He cautioned fellows against pursuing credentials without commitment.
“Sometimes you come with the smiling faces but yet, you are the agents of the few that are already corrupted, you are just the spies to those programs,” he emphasized. “I hope this is not what you are here for.”
Yealue urged fellows to act with conviction.
“It’s time that we step forth another day, it is time that we set new boundaries, it’s time that we set new horizons for ourselves as a country, and it’s time that we refuse for this country to keep being chocked by the few ugly, manipulated and corrupt politically weaponized class.”
About the Fellowship
The Governance and Anti-Corruption Fellowship — the first of its kind in Liberia — is a comprehensive capacity-building program targeting 100 emerging leaders over two years, recruiting 25 fellows per cohort twice annually. Participants will range in age from 18 to 35.
The program will run for 20 weeks per cycle, with fellows participating three hours per week for a total of approximately 60 hours of intensive learning.
Designed for mid-level professionals, civic leaders, university student leaders and young public sector professionals, the fellowship seeks to:
- Build capacity to analyze and address governance and corruption challenges
- Equip fellows to serve as anti-corruption ambassadors
- Strengthen knowledge of integrity systems and legal frameworks
- Develop skills in transparency, ethical leadership and civic engagement
- Foster collaboration among government, civil society and development partners
- Encourage innovation in governance reforms
Facilitators will include governance specialists, development professionals, representatives of national integrity institutions, donors and civil society leaders.
Organizers say the ultimate goal is to strengthen Liberia’s democratic governance architecture by investing in principled leadership capable of sustaining long-term institutional reform.
Discussion about this post