Local Chiefs Urged to Take Ownership of National Development as 4‑Day Capacity Building Workshop Opens in Sanniquellie, Nimba County
Operating under the theme “Enhancing Capacity of Members of the Council of Chiefs for Effective Performance,” the gathering brings together traditional leaders and chiefs from Grand Bassa, Margibi, Bong, Lofa, and the host, Nimba County, to strengthen local governance and decentralization across Liberia.
Aligning Tradition with the National Agenda
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister for Local Government and Decentralization, Hon. Edward K. Mulbah, conveyed greetings on behalf of the Minister of Local Government, Hon. F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr. Deputy Minister Mulbah underscored the critical role of traditional leaders in advancing national progress, noting that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is steering Liberia toward significant developmental milestones. He urged chiefs to take active ownership of these initiatives as custodians of peace and primary citizens.
“Our President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is doing a lot of good things for our country,” Deputy Minister Mulbah stated. “We, as traditional chiefs, should take ownership as citizens.”
A Historic Structural Transition
Hon. Joseph S. Cooper, Executive Director of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office, outlined the workshop’s objectives and the legal mandate guiding the body. He recalled a pivotal milestone in August 2024, when the Ministry of Local Government—under Minister Nyumalin—held a major orientation session in Ganta, Nimba County. At that session, the 2012 National Council of Chiefs and Traditional Elders were officially dissolved to align with the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018. The establishment of the current National Council of Chiefs repealed the 2012 act, placing the restructured council directly under the Ministry of Local Government's jurisdiction.
Core Objectives & The ARREST Agenda
Supported by international partners, the workshop aims to strengthen institutional capacity and align chiefs’ daily operations with the government’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive development. Participants were encouraged to uphold the Council’s statutory mandates:
Preservation of Heritage: Safeguard and promote Liberia’s traditions, cultural heritage, and traditional institutions.
Sustained Peacebuilding: Assist the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Local Government, in achieving lasting peace, reconciliation, and reunification across society.
County Commitment and Support
Welcoming delegates, Mr. Prince Yeah, Political Liaison Officer in the office of Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, commended the Ministry and the National Council of Chiefs Support Office for organizing the training. He reaffirmed Nimba County’s commitment to decentralization policies and to empowering traditional leadership structures.
The workshop is expected to climax in three days on May 27, 2026, focusing on administrative efficiency, dispute resolution, and institutional alignment with national development policies.
