On September 23, 2026, the Government of Liberia declared October 2026 as the Month of Good Governance. The Governance Commission (GC) outlined a series of nationwide activities to promote accountability, transparency, integrity, citizen participation, and effective public service delivery. The declaration was announced at the Ministry of Information's regular press briefing in Monrovia. Acting Chairperson of the Governance Commission, Professor Alaric K. Tokpah, presented the presidential proclamation to the public.
The proclamation, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., represents a national commitment to strengthening governance and ensuring public institutions operate with integrity and in the interest of citizens. Prof. Tokpah emphasized that good governance encompasses principles such as honesty, truthfulness, accountability, transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency in government performance. The observance also focuses on inclusion, participation, quality service delivery, attention to marginalized groups, and adherence to the rule of law.
The Governance Commission plans to launch the National Integrity Index, which will assess and classify public institutions in areas such as ethical leadership, efficiency, and financial openness. Citizens' scorecards will be used to evaluate institutional performance, giving the public a direct role in assessing government performance. The initiative will involve civil society organizations, educational institutions, the private sector, and the media in public awareness campaigns and policy discussions.
The proclamation calls for a shift from symbolic recognition of governance principles to rigorous, evidence-based evaluation of institutional performance. President Boakai's proclamation asks for hard evidence in place of ceremony, with the Governance Commission having one month to show that it can deliver. The Commission will use the Scientific Governance Barometer to support the compilation of the annual State of Governance and Integrity Report.
The observance will include a range of activities, such as town hall meetings, public dialogues, and digital feedback mechanisms. Educational institutions, local government structures, traditional leadership councils, and media houses across Liberia's 15 counties are expected to organize community dialogues and civic initiatives on integrity and civic responsibility. Individuals and institutions showing notable improvement and commitment to good governance will be recognized through an Exemplary Governance Recognition and Awards program.
The Governance Commission's Executive Director, Jallah C. Kesselly, provided details of the planned activities, which will be held under the theme "Promoting Accountability and Transparency in Governance." The activities aim to raise public awareness, encourage citizen participation, and strengthen governance practices across Liberia's public institutions. The month-long observance will officially begin on October 6 at the Governance Commission's headquarters.
The Governance Commission was established through legislative action in October 2007, with a formal mandate to advance policies promoting integrity, anti-corruption, and institutional efficiency. The Commission's efforts to promote good governance are crucial to Liberia's national stability, sustainable development, and protection of citizens' rights and dignity. The success of the Governance Month observance will depend on the Commission's ability to deliver measurable results and hold public institutions accountable for their performance.
Key points
- President Boakai declares October as Governance Month to promote accountability and transparency in Liberia.
- The Governance Commission will launch the National Integrity Index to assess public institutions' performance.
- Citizens' scorecards will be used to evaluate institutional performance, giving the public a direct role in assessing government performance.
