MONROVIA, LIBERIA-House Speaker Richard Koon is urging county councils to work with lawmakers rather than competing with them collaboratively.

The Speaker’s message was conveyed by Bong County District Two Representative, James Kolleh, at the Montserrado County Dialogue on Strengthening Local Government for inclusive development in Liberia.

Representative Kolleh said,” It is important for the county councils to fulfil their responsibilities and provide necessary information that will improve the county”.

According to him, building and supporting civil society structures need proper financial management principles to strengthen transparency and accountability within the region.

He noted that scaling up community involvement in decision-making will ensure sustainable growth and development.

The program brought together stakeholders, including Deputy Internal Affairs Minister for Research and development planning, Edward Mulbah, the resident representative of UNDP, Aliou Dia, and other Ambassadors representing Ireland and Sweden, among others.

The stakeholders pledged their support to working with local authorities for inclusive development.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Dorbor Jallah, is calling on Liberians to pay taxes to fund development projects within their various counties.

Commissioner Jallah also pledged the LRA’s commitment to working with local authorities to transform their environment.

 At the same time, Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, has emphasized the importance of the county council and legislature working together to implement the county development agenda.

Director Jarwolo said,” The County Development Agenda includes everything the people want, but without sufficient funds, nothing can be achieved”.

He spoke at a day-long dialogue on August 8, 2025, in Montserrado County on Strengthening Local Government for inclusive development in Liberia.

The Naymote boss noted that the dialogue is aimed at addressing challenges faced by local leaders in the county for better infrastructure and resources.

Meanwhile, Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant thanked Naymote-Liberia and partners for such a program and appealed to the national government to address the revenue-sharing component of the Local Government Act and provide the necessary resources for local development.