The Government of Ireland has entered into a strategic partnership with three leading civil society organizations in Liberia, the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG), the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and Naymote Partners for Democratic Development in order to advance democratic governance, transparency, and accountability across the country.

Under this agreement, Ireland has committed €1.5 million over a three-year period (2024–2026) to strengthen political accountability and inclusive governance at both national and local levels. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Gerard Considine, Ambassador of Ireland to Liberia, reaffirmed his government’s dedication to supporting good governance and civil society engagement.

“Strengthening governance and transparency underpins all of our efforts to deliver transformative change, inclusive economic development, and the realization of human rights in Liberia,” Ambassador Considine said.

He highlighted that Ireland recognizes the critical role of civil society in fostering effective and accountable institutions.

“These three organizations will work collaboratively to amplify citizens’ voices, promote anti-corruption efforts, and advance political accountability. Inclusive participation in local governance enables communities to influence how resources are allocated and ensures the equitable delivery of public services for all Liberians,” he added.

The initiative seeks to enhance political accountability, transparency, and democratic governance through three main objectives: Enhance demands for political accountability in the management of public resources, promote citizen participation in local decision-making by facilitating dialogue between government institutions and communities, and increase civil society oversight of equitable revenue-sharing between central and local governments.

The project aligns with Ireland’s Mission Strategy for Liberia (2024–2028), which focuses on strengthening governance, promoting gender equality, supporting food security and climate action, and advancing human rights, particularly women’s rights.

Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development and member of the implementing consortium, described the partnership as a major boost for democratic consolidation and accountability in Liberia.

“Ireland has consistently demonstrated its commitment as a development partner to Liberia by supporting civil society organizations in implementing programs that promote accountability and effective governance. This new partnership will enable us to strengthen citizen participation and ensure more inclusive, transparent, and responsive decision-making processes that reinforce peace and democracy,” Jarwolo stated.

Implementation will take place in Bong, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties, engaging a wide range of stakeholders including citizens, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and community-based organizations. Local authorities such as County Councils, Superintendents, Fiscal and Development Officers, and County Service Center Management Teams in the target counties will play key roles in the project’s success.

At the national level, the consortium will collaborate with several government institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Governance Commission, Liberia Revenue Authority, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, among others.

Through this partnership, Ireland and its Liberian civil society partners reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing democratic governance, transparency, and citizen engagement. The initiative marks an important step toward building accountable leadership and fostering inclusive, sustainable development in Liberia.