The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism has officially launched the Government Town Hall Program to enhance communication between the public sector and citizens.
During a speech on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah noted that Town Halls have played a significant role in Liberia’s governance history since the mid-1970s. President William R. Tolbert initially used them to engage the Liberian Diaspora, particularly in the United States.
Minister Piah emphasized that while this practice has been part of Liberia’s history, previous governments have not effectively adapted it to engage citizens through local Town Hall Interactive Sessions. He mentioned that before Town Halls, there were Executive Councils initiated by President William V.S. Tubman in 1957. These councils were designed to explain government policies and actions to traditional leaders and county administrators during Tubman’s travels to the interior.
He noted that as the world evolves, people are increasingly eager to interact directly with their leaders to discuss their concerns. Responding to this public interest in governance, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has launched the Government Town Hall Program.
Named “KapaaKulono” from the Kpelle dialect, which means “Come Let’s Talk,” this program is a public engagement forum designed to foster constructive dialogue between government officials and citizens. It serves as a medium for government representatives and policymakers to engage face-to-face with the public.
Minister Piah stated that the audience will include representatives from political parties, women’s groups, youth organizations, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, “yana boys,” pem pem riders, marketers, students, and religious groups. He assured that MICAT is committed to ensuring the initiative reaches all 15 political subdivisions of the country.
He urged the Government of Liberia, development partners, and international NGOs to support and sustain the Government Town Hall initiative. Special appreciation was extended to the Central Bank of Liberia, the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Company, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority for their support that enabled the launch of the program.
Minister Piah outlined two guiding principles for the Town Hall meetings: Transparency and Trust—emphasizing open government, honest conversations, real solutions, and accountability in actions; and Inclusivity and Unity—ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table, that diverse voices are heard, and that common ground is found.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who officiated the launch, commended those who have supported the ministry and highlighted the initiative’s goal of listening to the people they serve.
She stressed the need for Liberians to change their perspective about the country and focus on its needs, including governance intent and basic requirements. She emphasized that achieving this requires dialogue and inclusive governance that reflects on various government functions, including tourism and infrastructure.
“This ‘Come Let’s Talk’ initiative is not about claiming that the government is doing everything perfectly; rather, it is about all of us coming together to discuss positive and negative aspects,” she remarked.
Minister Beysolow Nyanti concluded that the program will help promote unity and peacebuilding across the country and focus on improving Liberia. “If we come together, we can build a better country, and through our collective efforts, we will strengthen Liberia,” she told the gathering.
