By Emmanuel Koffa
Grand Kru County, Nov. 13, 2024, Liberia –In a significant move toward enhancing development initiatives, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, has concluded a two-day validation meeting with stakeholders in Grand Kru County. The validation was aimed at identifying and prioritizing key development goals for Grand Kru County.
The meeting which ran from Monday, November 11-12, 2024, was held at the Barclayville City Hall and brought together local leaders, physically challenged, community representatives, and governmental officials.
Key areas of focus include, infrastructure development, education, health services, and agricultural enhancement-with the aim to foster sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for residents of the county.
Dr. Vafolay Tulay of the Africa Development Management Associate (ADMA) and David R. Shad of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, facilitated the meeting. The two facilitators guided discussions that sought to integrate feedback from all sectors of society, underscoring the government’s intention to adopt a participatory approach in its planning processes.
Participants attending the meeting were seen engaged in comprehensive discussions which focused on strategic development priorities that align with national objectives and local needs. Participants were also encouraged to share their insights and perspectives, ensuring that the development priorities identified resonate with the local context.
Grand Kru County Superintendent Antoinette Wowlee Nimely, speaking at the validation meeting, expressed strong support for the government’s decision to incorporate locals’ perspectives in development initiatives that affect their lives.
Superintendent Nimely lauded the government’s commitment to inclusive development and effective governance. “President Boakai’s leadership has set a transformative path for our communities,” she stated, referencing the meeting as testament to government’s dedication to listen to the voices of the people and prioritizing their needs in development planning.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and its partners in addressing the region’s challenges, and at the same time acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and private sector partners, in advancing the development agenda.
“Together, we can create a sustainable future for Grand Kru County,” she added.
At the close of the day, stakeholders expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the dialogue. They highlighted the necessity of continuous engagement between the government and communities to ensure that development plans are both relevant and actionable.
The validation meeting serves as a critical step toward a more inclusive and effective development strategy in Liberia, with the potential to set a precedent for future engagements between the government and the communities it serves.
