Government Launches Second “Kapa Kulono” Town Hall Meeting “Come, Let’s Talk”

September 18 2025

By: Feeme M. Wantee

Monrovia, Liberia –As part of its continued efforts to promote transparency, civic engagement, and grassroots participation, the Government of Liberia has hosted the second edition of its community driven town hall initiative, “Kapa Kulono”, in Sanniquellie, Nimba County. The phrase “Kapa Kulono” is derived from the local vernacular and translates to “Come, Let’s Talk It…”

The event brought together a diverse group of Liberians, including traditional chiefs, youth and women’s organizations, civil society actors, educators, business leaders, and local government officials. The forum provided a platform for citizens to directly engage with government representatives sharing concerns, asking questions, and proposing solutions to challenges in their communities.

Strengthening Dialogue Between Citizens and Government

Launched earlier this year, Kapa Kulono represents a significant step toward decentralizing governance and ensuring inclusivity in national development. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, and the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, in collaboration with other government agencies.

In her opening remarks, Kou Meapeh Gono, Superintendent of Nimba County, underscored the value of dialogue and mutual respect in strengthening democracy.

“We are here to listen, to learn, and to act. Governance must not be distant from the people it must be rooted in their lived experiences,” she said.

Key Issues Raised

During the forum, residents of Nimba County raised several pressing concerns, including:

Poor road infrastructure connecting rural towns to the county capital

Limited access to quality healthcare and education

High youth unemployment and lack of vocational training opportunities

Persistent land disputes and delayed judicial proceedings

A lack of government services in remote communities

Government officials responded to many of these concerns on the spot, outlining ongoing plans and in some cases, committing to immediate follow-up actions.

Local Voices, National Impact

One of the most impactful moments came during a youth-led session where students and youth groups presented a joint memorandum. They called for the revitalization of youth centers and the expansion of IT access in schools.

“We are not asking for charity. We are asking for investment in our future,” said Gifty Wallie, a student from Nimba County Community College.

National Announcements

Also at the event, Cllr. Jallah Barbu, Head of the War and Economic Crimes Court Secretariat, announced plans to formally establish the court by 2026.

“This court will bring justice, not conflict. Those who committed war crimes or embezzled public funds will be prosecuted. But Liberians should not fear it will not bring war,” he emphasized.

In addition, the Ministry of Education announced plans to:

Distribute computers to all public schools

Provide electricity access to schools

Construct over 1,000 elementary, junior, and senior high schools nationwide

Launch new school feeding programs

Looking Ahead

The success of the Sanniquellie edition reaffirms the government’s commitment to expanding the Kapa Kulono initiative across all 15 counties. Plans are already underway for the third edition, which will include not only community dialogues but also the launch of new government services and community development projects.

By bringing the conversation directly to the people, Kapa Kulono is becoming more than a listening tour it is a growing movement for participatory governance and accountability.