By Christian Appleton
MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA – Maryland County officials recently held a significant meeting with a delegation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Finance Development Planning, and the Liberia Revenue Authority to discuss the functions of various agencies operating within the county.
The meeting centered around a proposal to establish a County Treasury, a key component of the government’s decentralization agenda aimed at bringing essential financial services closer to citizens.
Superintendent Henry Cole welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of the initiative. He explained that the County Treasury would help reduce the need for residents to travel to Monrovia for basic financial transactions. “This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to decentralize services and give local authorities greater control over financial resources,” Cole stated.
The proposal to establish a County Treasury aligns with the broader vision of Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, who has been working to establish such centers across Liberia based on assessments and consultations with local stakeholders.
The aim is to create a system that allows residents to conduct financial activities like banking and revenue collection without having to leave their counties.
In his remarks, Superintendent Cole expressed his gratitude to the various government officials present and voiced optimism about the county’s future. “Thanks to all the governmental representatives that were present, and we look forward to a better working relationship with each entity within our county,” he said.
The visiting delegation, which included representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the Liberia Revenue Authority, was also on a fact-finding mission.
They sought to assess the operational dynamics of agencies and organizations working within Maryland County and gather critical information for a potential new financial initiative aimed at boosting local development.
Selena P. Mappy, Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted one of the key components of the County Treasury initiative. She revealed that 40% of the revenue collected in Maryland County would be retained locally to fund community-driven development projects. This measure is part of the government’s broader decentralization plan, which seeks to empower local authorities to manage and direct financial resources to meet the needs of residents.
Natu Nyenwoe, Deputy Comptroller and Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, elaborated on the purpose of the delegation’s visit. Nyenwoe explained that the primary goal was to assess the county’s readiness for the establishment of a County Treasury.
She described the proposed facility as a “one-stop center” where residents could access a range of financial services, including a sub-branch of the Central Bank of Liberia. This development would significantly reduce the burden on residents who currently have to travel to Monrovia for basic banking services.
According to Nyenwoe, Maryland County’s strategic location makes it an ideal candidate for such a facility. With assets like a seaport, border crossing, and the presence of Tubman University, the county is well-positioned to attract investment and stimulate job creation. The establishment of a County Treasury would not only provide more accessible financial services but also create employment opportunities for residents.
The government plans to establish four treasury centers in Region Five of Liberia, with Maryland County being a strong contender. However, concerns were raised during the meeting about the county’s infrastructure, specifically internet access and reliable electricity supply, which are crucial for the operation of the treasury center. Renowned businessman Wade Dennis emphasized the need for improvements in the existing county service center, suggesting that it be made more efficient to serve the immediate needs of the local population.
In addition, Nyenwoe took the opportunity to criticize the practices of commercial banks in Maryland County, accusing them of unjustly withholding portions of civil servants’ salaries. She stressed that it was essential for civil servants to receive their full salaries on time rather than being subjected to partial disbursements. Her comments came in response to suggestions that the government should empower commercial banks to improve their services instead of introducing the Central Bank into the equation.
The discussions underscore a growing commitment to decentralizing financial services in Liberia, ensuring that residents, particularly in rural counties like Maryland, have easier access to essential services.
While the final decision on the establishment of a County Treasury in Maryland County depends on further assessments and consultations, the momentum for this initiative continues to build, signaling a promising future for local economic development and better access to financial services.
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