Monrovia, Liberia; August 13, 2025 – In an effort toward reshaping the future of Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, a two-day policy dialogue ends today, under the theme “Improving Monrovia City Administration through Effective Leadership, Proper Coordination, and Resource Mobilization.” The event, convened by the Governance Commission, brings together government officials, civil society leaders, and private sector stakeholders to chart a new course for Monrovia’s urban governance.
The acting Chairman of the Governance Commission, Professor Alaric Togba, emphasized that this gathering is not a ceremonial exercise but a strategic intervention. “Effective city administration is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he declared. “It determines how services are delivered, how citizens are represented, and how opportunities are distributed. In a city as dynamic and diverse as Monrovia that trust must be earned daily through transparency, responsiveness, and strategic foresight.”
Professor Alaric Togba described Monrovia as the symbolic heart of Liberia, which is undergoing rapid transformation—demographically, spatially, and institutionally. He said as the city expands beyond its traditional boundaries, challenges of climate resilience, service delivery, and urban planning become more urgent. The dialogue aims to confront these realities head-on, discussing not only need change, but how it should be shaped to reflect the values of inclusion, accountability, and sustainability.
The dialogue delves into Monrovia’s legal and institutional frameworks, its capacity to manage urban growth and climate risks, and the potential for innovative financing and interagency coordination.
The Acting GC Boss calls on participants to engage as the keynote address by Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance & Development Planning, is expected to anchor the discussions in the realities of public finance and institutional reform, bridging the gap between aspiration and implementation.
He said the minister’s leadership is seen as pivotal in executing Liberia’s national development agenda. “History now summons us to gather together all our understandings, deep feelings, and emotional responses in the national interest,” Prof. Togba noted, underscoring the urgency of the moment.
He said the Commission reaffirms its commitment to inclusive dialogue and evidence-based policy formulation. This goal is to position Monrovia within Liberia’s decentralizing governance system, whether through reaffirming its traditional city status or redefining it to meet new realities.
Noting that the dialogue is also a tribute to the visionary leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., whose call for national growth and development continues to inspire institutional cooperation and civic engagement.
He emphasized that as participants engage in a robust discussion over the next two days, the emphasis remains on actionable outcomes a renewed compact between institutions and citizens, one that honors constitutional mandates and embraces the promise of decentralization.
“The future of Monrovia is being written not just in policy papers, but in the collaborative spirit of those gathered. And if this dialogue succeeds, it may well become a blueprint for urban transformation across Liberia”, he concludes.
