GoL, Others Observe Open Government Week

The Government of Liberia (GoL) in collaboration with civil society organizations in Liberia on Thursday, March 11, 2019 joined the rest of the world in observing the celebration of the open government week. Open government week is observed around the world in March of every year.

Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a global call to action to transform the way governments serve their citizens. This year open government week was observed under the theme: “highlighting role breakers, overcoming marginalization and disempowerment to bring above change”. The ceremony took place at the Providence Island in Monrovia.

Explaining the overview of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Open Government Week, the head of Secretariat of OGP, Ralph Jimmeh, Jr. said the Thursday’s celebration marks the second celebration of the government of Liberia since the introduction of OGP in Liberia. He revealed that OGP establishment across the world is intended to hold governments accountable to their citizens.

He told citizens at the gathering that the Liberian Government needs to inform its citizens on the management of the country. He indicated that since government is by the people, of the people and to the people, then, those in authorities should be accountable to citizens. He highlighted some gains made by the government of Liberia in the implementation of the ten national action plans.

Delivering a special statement during the occasion, Deputy Information Minister for Administration, Atty. Daniel C. Gayedyu said Liberia was on the implementation of its third national action plan when the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration began. Immediately, upon the taking over of the CDC led government, Minister Gayedyu intoned that the CDC led government took ownership of the action plan.

According to Minister Gayedyu, under this administration, OGP Liberia was restructured to match the OGP global structure and thereby improve the effectiveness and efficiency of OGP activities in Liberia. Based on this, the Deputy Minister and Chairman of the Steering Committee said a steering committee was established to oversee the day to day activities of OGP Liberia and provide direction consistent with mandates of the multi stakeholder working group. TNR