By: Joseph Kerkula
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), has officially launched its Town Hall Engagement Initiative in Monrovia, aimed at strengthening communication and transparency between the government and citizens.
Launched under the theme “Kapa Kulono”, the initiative seeks to foster direct dialogue between citizens and their leaders. Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah explained that the engagement is intended to deepen public understanding of national policies and encourage meaningful exchanges.
“This initiative is more than just a form of communication; it’s about creating mutual understanding around government policies and their implementation,” Minister Piah stated.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving national challenges through open dialogue, adding, “People are eager to sit with their leaders, to raise their concerns, and to hear from them. This is something the government is fully prepared to implement.”
Minister Piah also noted that the Town Hall concept was first introduced in the mid-1970s by the late President William R. Tolbert to engage Liberians in the diaspora. Over time, the approach has evolved to include broader public participation across Liberia.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti, also speaking at the launch, highlighted growing public expectations for transparency and accountability. “Liberians are calling for accountability.
They want more from their leaders,” she said, underscoring that the initiative is centered on listening to the people. She reaffirmed the government’s plan to expand the Town Hall engagements to other regions across the country.
The launch, held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, marks a renewed commitment by the government to inclusive, participatory governance.
