Liberia, Sierra Leone Unite for Better Governance

Freetown — The Director General of the Cabinet of the Liberian government, Nathaniel T. Kwabo has met with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, John Somaliah, triggering a significant step towards fostering regional cooperation and enhancing public service delivery in both countries.

The high-level meeting, which took place at Somaliah’s OAU Drive office in Freetown on Thursday, November 21, 2024, was held on the margin of President Joseph Boakai’s state visit to Sierra Leone.

Somaliah, who also serves as the head of Sierra Leone’s Civil Service, warmly welcomed Kwabo and expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage in a productive dialogue. Both leaders emphasized the value of exchanging ideas and experiences to strengthen the operations of their respective cabinets, aiming to build a foundation for improved governance in both nations.

A central topic of the discussions was the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS), a framework designed to enhance productivity and accountability in government institutions. PMCS has been a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve service delivery, and Hon. Somaliah and his team provided an in-depth overview of its structure and processes. They highlighted how the system has fostered greater efficiency, while also candidly discussing challenges faced during its implementation.

Kwabo expressed keen interest in Sierra Leone’s PMCS model, recognizing its potential to drive positive change in Liberia’s public sector. He noted that adopting similar strategies could lead to more transparent, efficient, and accountable governance in Liberia. This exchange underscored the importance of cross-border learning, demonstrating how neighboring countries can support each other in overcoming common challenges.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to promote study tours aimed at building the capacity of cabinet staff in both countries. These tours will facilitate hands-on learning and provide civil servants with the opportunity to observe best practices in action. By strengthening the skills and knowledge of their workforce, both nations aim to enhance decision-making processes and improve the implementation of government policies.

The two top officials also discussed the broader implications of their collaboration within the context of the Africa Cabinet Government Network (ACGN). Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with colleagues across the continent to promote evidence-based policy development and effective governance.

They emphasized that by sharing insights and strategies, African nations can collectively address governance challenges and foster sustainable development.

The meeting marked an important milestone in the relationship between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Beyond the technical discussions, it symbolized a commitment to strengthening ties and fostering a spirit of cooperation between the two countries.

Improved governance and public service delivery are crucial for addressing the socio-economic challenges that both nations face, including poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure development.

This collaboration comes at a pivotal time, as both Liberia and Sierra Leone seek to implement reforms that will enhance their governance structures. By learning from each other’s experiences and supporting each other’s initiatives, they are setting an example of regional unity and partnership.

In their concluding remarks, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their collaboration. Hon. Kwabo highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue and cooperation, noting that the lessons learned from Sierra Leone’s PMCS implementation could provide valuable insights for Liberia’s ongoing reform efforts.

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Meanwhile, Somaliah emphasized the need for sustained engagement, not just between their two countries but across the broader African region.

As Liberia and Sierra Leone embark on this journey of collaboration, their efforts signal a broader commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. By working together, they aim to create a more efficient and responsive public sector that can meet the needs of their citizens and contribute to the overall development of the region.

This meeting is more than a diplomatic gesture–it is a practical step towards building stronger institutions and improving the lives of people in both countries. Through shared knowledge, mutual support, and a commitment to excellence, Liberia and Sierra Leone are paving the way for a future of better governance and regional solidarity.

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