Gov’t Launches GOL-CSO Accord Implementation Strategy

By Lewis S. Teh

MONROVIA, September 28, 2026 — The Governance Commission (GC) has officially launched the Government of Liberia-Civil Society Organizations (GOL-CSO) Accord Partnership Policy Framework Implementation Strategy, aimed at translating years of government-civil society dialogue into concrete action.

The launch was held Friday at the Governance Commission, which chairs Pillar Four of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, focusing on governance and anti-corruption.

Acting GC Chair Prof. Alaric Tokpa said civil society has historically played an important role in promoting accountability and providing essential services, particularly during periods when state institutions were weakened.

“When we look back at the work that civil society has done in Liberia, civil society has played a very, very important role in this country, encouraging government to become accountable,” Tokpa said.

He noted that relations between government and civil society have sometimes been confrontational, particularly around demands for transparency and accountability, but said stronger cooperation could improve service delivery.

Tokpa stressed that signing the GOL-CSO Accord alone is insufficient without implementation.

“Having the accord, the agreement on cooperation, is one thing. Activities to be performed jointly or separately is another thing. But, of course, the implementation of the accord is also a very, very important thing,” he said.

GC Commissioner for Civic Engagement, National Identity and Visioning, Cytrus K. Kerbay, said the new strategy provides a practical roadmap for operationalizing the Accord.

She said the Governance Commission, National Civil Society Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning worked together to develop the implementation framework.

“How do we operationalize the GOL-CSO Accord Partnership Policy Framework and turn our commitment into action? Today, we have an answer,” Kerbay said.

“A partnership that remains on paper cannot change a nation. A partnership that moves to action can.”

According to Kerbay, the strategy is intended to strengthen coordination, institutionalize government-CSO engagement, deepen citizen participation and establish greater shared accountability.

“We are not simply launching a document. We are launching a framework for action,” she said, stressing that the strategy’s success will ultimately be measured by implementation rather than commitments on paper.

Kerbay called on government to create space for meaningful public participation, while urging civil society organizations to ensure citizens’ concerns and priorities are reflected in national development processes.

She also called on development partners to support capacity-building and help sustain the partnership.

“Let this launch mark a new chapter in the relationship between government and civil society — from dialogue to action, from commitment to implementation, from partnership on paper to partnership in practice,” Kerbay said.

“Civil society is not a spectator, but a partner. When government and citizens work together with purpose, responsibility and accountability, we do more than strengthen governance. We strengthen Liberia.”

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