Liberian Senate Abolishes Ministry of Internal Affairs, Establishes Ministry of Local Government

The Liberian Senate has officially scrapped the Ministry of Internal Affairs, making way for the newly established Ministry of Local Government, a move that signals a major shift in the country’s governance structure.

This decision, according to the Senate, aligns with the Local Government Act of 2018, a law designed to decentralize power and bring governance closer to the people. For years, Liberia has grappled with a heavily centralized system where decisions affecting local communities were made in Monrovia, often with little input from the people directly impacted. But with this legislative action, the government is taking a step towards giving local leaders a greater role in shaping the development agenda of their respective communities.

The passage of this act is expected to strengthen local governance by transferring more authority and responsibilities to local administrations. In simple terms, this means county superintendents, city mayors, and other local officials will have a stronger hand in managing affairs, rather than waiting for directives from the capital. The goal? To enhance service delivery, promote inclusive development, and ensure citizens play an active role in national decision-making.

One key detail worth noting is that, despite the dissolution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, all contracts, orders, and decisions made under its authority before the enactment of this new law will remain valid. This ensures a smooth transition and continuity in governance as the Ministry of Local Government takes charge.

The big question now is: Will this change truly empower local leaders and bring about the long-awaited decentralization that has been talked about for years? Or will it just be another bureaucratic reshuffle with a different name? Time, as always, will tell.

For now, Liberia officially has a Ministry of Local Government, and all eyes will be on its leadership to see if they can truly make governance more effective and inclusive for the people.