Africa-Press – Liberia. Bomi County has officially launched its first legally established Civil Society Organizations Council (BCCSOC), marking what community leaders describe as a historic step toward inclusive advocacy, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
The colorful ceremony, held in Tubmanburg on Saturday, brought together community leaders, youth advocates, women’s groups, and community-based organizations to celebrate the formal recognition of the council and the certification and induction of its newly elected leadership.
The Bomi County Civil Society Organizations Council will now serve as the umbrella body for all CSOs, CBOs, youth networks, and women’s associations in the county. The council is fully registered and incorporated in line with the Local Government Act of 2018, giving it legal authority to coordinate civil society activities and engage government on issues of governance and development.
Washington: “This council will be the voice of the voiceless.”
Providing an overview of the council’s mission, Mr. Thomas Washington, the newly inducted Chairperson of BCCSOC, pledged that the organization would focus on inclusive advocacy, transparency, and good governance.
Washington emphasized that BCCSOC’s work will not only involve demanding accountability from local officials but also building the technical and organizational capacity of grassroots groups to engage constructively with decision-makers.
“We will combine advocacy with training, ensuring our communities have the tools to hold leaders accountable,” Washington declared.
In a direct appeal to Bomi County Superintendent, Washington called on her to submit an annual stewardship report to the County Council, citing the mandatory provisions of the Local Government Act of 2018.
He further warned against dealing with “illegally operating organizations” that claim to represent CSOs in the county and urged the superintendent’s office to investigate the disputed election of Omazco Kamara, including allegations of corruption linked to his activities.
Guest Speaker Duku Jallah: “Civil society must unite and speak truth to power.”
Serving as Guest Speaker, Mr. Ernest Duku Jallah, a prominent youth advocate, challenged the new leadership to ensure BCCSOC becomes a united and fearless voice for ordinary citizens.
“If civil society is divided, it becomes weak. If it is united, it becomes unstoppable,” Jallah cautioned. “Do not be afraid to speak against the ills in Bomi County. Your job is to make both public and private officials accountable.”
Jallah lamented that despite Bomi and western Liberia’s vast natural resources, communities see little benefit in terms of infrastructure or social services. He pledged technical support and capacity-building assistance to strengthen the council’s operations.
Member organizations reaffirm support
Speaking on behalf of the registered member organizations, Madam Bendu Dorma praised Washington’s leadership and the vision behind the establishment of BCCSOC.
“We stand ready to work alongside this council to ensure that the voices of Bomi citizens are not silenced,” Dorma said.
New leadership inducted and certificated
The event also featured the official certification and induction of the BCCSOC leadership, now mandated to serve as the legitimate coordinating body of civil society in the county.
The elected officers include:Thomas Washington – Chairperson, Madam Jartu D. Brown – Co-Chairperson for Administration, Stanley Kiawu – Vice Chair for Operations, Matthew M. Barmadia – Secretary General, Harriet S. Holder – Chaplain, Zee Carter – Treasurer, David Fully – Director of Communications/PRO, V. Augustus Lamie – Member-At-Large, Jackson S. Wreh – Member-At-Large, Joseph Kamara – Director of Planning & Programs
With its launch and induction of officers, BCCSOC positions itself as a watchdog and partner in governance, committed to ensuring that transparency, fairness, and community participation become guiding principles of local administration.
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