The Center for Media Studies & Peacebuilding (CEMESP), with funding support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), has successfully conducted a two-day Legislative Constituency Engagement with lawmakers and citizens in Grand Cape Mount and Grand Bassa Counties.
The first consultation was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, followed by the second engagement on Saturday, December 12, 2025, in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The consultations aimed to share preliminary findings of the Legislative Performance Monitoring Report, focusing on three key indicators: Inclusion, Transparency, and Participation. The engagements also provided a platform for lawmakers to present reports on constituency representation during the legislative year and to offer insights into the Draft 2026 National Budget and county-level allocations.
Participants included Hon. Mohammed Dosii, District #2 Representative of Grand Cape Mount County; Hon. Matthew Joe, District #3 Representative of Grand Bassa County; Foley J. Kiatamba, Superintendent of Grand Cape Mount County; Thomas Bai Massaquoi, Mayor of Robertsport City; George B. Gaybueh, Mayor of Buchanan City; along with traditional leaders, civil society actors, and a cross-section of citizens from both counties.
The engagements created a unique forum for frank, constructive, and objective dialogue between citizens and their elected representatives. Lawmakers provided responses and updates on legislative activities, while citizens offered feedback and recommendations during interactive question-and-answer sessions.
Theo K. B. S. Gippley, Project Coordinator, provided an overview of the consultations, outlining their objectives and highlighting the role of the Legislative Monitoring Coalition of Liberia (LEMCOL). He also presented the preliminary findings of the Legislative Performance Monitoring Report. During the interactive sessions, Martin Gray, Chief of Office Staff to Hon. Mohammed Dosii, presented legislative reports and provided insights into the Draft 2026 National Budget review and county allocations for Grand Cape Mount.
In Buchanan, Hon. Matthew Joe presented on his constituency representation during the year under review and shared findings related to the Draft 2026 National Budget and allocations for Grand Bassa County. He informed citizens that he has engineered and introduced four bills, including the creation of the Grand Bassa University, the All Liberian Construction Association Bill, and the Engineers Society Bill, all aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Liberians. He also highlighted key development projects implemented in the county and outlined priority development areas for 2026.
The constituency engagements form part of LEMCOL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen citizens’ access to legislative information and to enhance meaningful interaction between citizens and their elected officials.
The Legislative Monitoring Coalition of Liberia (LEMCOL) is a consortium of leading civil society organizations and media institutions working collaboratively to promote good governance and effective legislative oversight. Its members include the Center for Media Studies & Peacebuilding (CEMESP), Institute for Democratic Action and Development (IDAD), InfoQuest Liberia, Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Accountability Lab Liberia, and key media institutions across Liberia.
