Monrovia, Liberia – Monday, September 29, 2025– Professor Alaric K. Tokpa, Acting Chairman of Liberia’s Governance Commission, has welcomed a visiting delegation from the Office of the President of Sierra Leone on an official working session in Liberia. He described the visit as more than a formal engagement, calling it “a reaffirmation of the bond our ancestors forged, and our fathers nurtured.”
According to the GC, Chairman Tokpa reminded the delegation that history and geography have united Liberia and Sierra Leone as sister nations. He emphasized that the visit presents a valuable opportunity for both institutions to exchange experiences, foster collaboration, and advance public sector modernization through the sharing of best practices in governance.
Professor Tokpa explained that the Governance Commission is an independent and autonomous government body. Its core mandate is to help establish a governance system that is inclusive, participatory, just, and accountable. The Commission also promotes transparency in public administration and encourages the adoption of internationally recognized best practices.
Under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Commission’s reform agenda has gained significant momentum.
Professor Tokpa outlined several key initiatives, including ongoing process for establishment process of a War and Economic Crimes Court, launch of an Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval initiative, mandatory asset declaration for all public officials, intensified audits across public institutions, and introduction of the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS), which sets clear standards for ministries and agencies, among others.
These reforms align with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which is built on six strategic pillars: Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, Rule of Law, Governance and Anti-Corruption, Environmental Sustainability, and Human Capital Development.
During the session, Hon. Amara Kallon, Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs of Sierra Leone and head of the visiting delegation, emphasized the deep historical ties between the two countries, noting their peaceful coexistence over centuries as a blessing of divine providence. He stated that the purpose of the visit was to study Liberia’s reform efforts and exchange experiences that could strengthen public sector governance in both nations. Minister Kallon expressed optimism that the engagement would deepen bilateral cooperation and help identify best practices for improved governance.
He also extended his gratitude to the Governance Commission, led by Professor Tokpa, for its dedication to reform. “I have come with my team to learn from the Commission and to share our own ideas,” he said.
The Sierra Leonean delegation presented their progress in governance and public sector reform through a PowerPoint presentation. Both leaders expressed strong interest in learning from each other’s experiences, especially as Liberia and Sierra Leone prepare for the second-generation review of the African Peer Review Mechanism.
The day was marked by meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The delegation met with leaders of the Public Sector Reform Tripod at the ministerial complex, which includes the Governance Commission (GC), the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA).
In October 2024, these three institutions signed a landmark tripartite agreement to advance public sector reforms. The agreement followed months of consultation and reflects a shared commitment to work with other stakeholders to enhance civil service performance in Liberia. Under the framework, the Governance Commission serves as chair, CSA as co-chair, and LIPA leads the secretariat, providing administrative and logistical support to the Technical Working Group. Press Release
