Liberian Government Launches “Kapaa Kulono” Town Hall Initiative to Deepen Public Engagement
By Feeme M. Wantee
May 7, 2025
Monrovia: In a historic move to bridge the communication gap between the Government of Liberia and its citizens, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) officially launched the Government Town Hall Initiative known as Kapaa Kulono, meaning “Come Let’s Talk It” in the Kpelle dialect.
The program aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance through direct public engagement. The ceremony, held at the EJS Ministeral Complex on May 7, 2025 was graced by distinguished guests including Her Excellency Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the President’s Cabinet, who served as the keynote speaker and chief launcher.
Also in attendance were Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Hon. James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, who participated as the first panelists of the newly launched platform.
Delivering the keynote remarks, Hon. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Minister of Information, emphasized the significance of this initiative in shaping a more open and responsive government. “Today marks the dawn of a new day for how the Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.-led government engages with the public,” Minister Piah declared.
“This initiative is designed to bring government closer to the people, enabling citizens to better understand governance policies and actively participate in national conversations.” While Liberia has seen town hall-style engagements in its history notably under Presidents William R. Tolbert and William V.S. Tubman these forums were largely limited in scope.
Kapaa Kulono represents the first widespread, domestically focused town hall model intended to reach all 15 political sub-divisions of the country, from county capitals to remote villages. Minister Piah stressed that this initiative is not just symbolic but strategic. “MICAT’s commitment is to ensure that this program reaches cities, towns, and villages across Liberia.
The audience will include representatives from political parties, youth groups, women’s associations, marketers, students, civil society organizations, and more,” he said. The Government Town Hall is founded on two core principles: Transparency and Trust Promoting honest dialogue, accountability, and access to accurate information. Inclusivity and Unity Ensuring diverse voices are heard and collaborative solutions are pursued in the national interest.
Support for the initiative has already begun, with contributions from key government agencies such as the Central Bank of Liberia, Liberia Petroleum and Refining Company, Liberia Revenue Authority, and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. Minister Piah thanked these institutions for their “modest but meaningful support,” especially in light of the program not being part of MICAT’s current budget.
Going forward, MICAT plans to establish an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee comprising the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Internal Affairs, and the General Services Agency to oversee the implementation and sustainability of the initiative. With the launch of Kapaa Kulono, the Government of Liberia takes a critical step toward embedding public participation at the heart of national governance. As Minister Piah concluded, “This will be our charge to keep as we lead a government that will be accountable to the people.”
