By Christian Appleton
ZWEDRU, GRAND GEDEH COUNTY – In a significant move to bolster civic engagement and government transparency, NAYMOTE – Partners for Democratic Development has successfully completed a nationwide training program for 75 young Liberians in social accountability monitoring.
The initiative’s final phase concluded with a two-day workshop held at Zwedru City Hall on July 1-2, 2025. This session brought together participants from six southeastern counties: Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, River Cess, Sinoe, and Grand Gedeh. Each county was represented by five members from their respective County Accountability and Advocacy Teams (CAAT).
Earlier this year, the program’s first phase took place in Gbarnga, Bong County, involving participants from Region 1, which comprises Liberia’s upper nine counties.
NAYMOTE reports that the training equipped participants with essential tools and strategies to monitor public service delivery, track the use of public funds, and engage constructively with local authorities. Key instruments introduced during the training included the Public Expenditure Tracking Survey (PETS), the National Budget, County Development Funds (CDF), and NAYMOTE’s President Meter.
Bako Korboi Shuaibu Jr., Project Manager and lead facilitator, emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency throughout the sessions. “We’re not deploying you to audit your government officials in ways that would antagonize them,” Shuaibu clarified. “We encourage you to monitor, track, follow up with stakeholders, analyze, and report weekly.”
He also highlighted that the mission extends beyond just identifying shortcomings, focusing equally on recognizing good governance efforts: “Our focus is not only on identifying shortcomings but also on highlighting the positive work government is doing in the various counties.”
Representing local authorities, Jarwee N. Suku, Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh County, welcomed the initiative. “When these kinds of initiatives are implemented, we as public officials are reminded to always be mindful of our responsibilities. Accountability is essential in everything we do,” he stated.
Participant Albertine Siah, speaking on behalf of her peers, reaffirmed their dedication to civic duty. “As we return to our respective counties, we are ready to serve as volunteers and apply everything we have learned,” she declared.
This effort is part of NAYMOTE’s broader mission to strengthen democratic accountability and deepen citizen participation in Liberia. By empowering youth with the capacity to engage with governance at the grassroots level, the organization aims to foster a more transparent, responsive, and inclusive government.
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