Africa-Press – Liberia. We will all profit from a more diverse, inclusive society…while pulling together for the common good,” Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.” — Sundar Pichai.
“Give no decision till both sides thou’st heard.” — Xavier University.
“When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better as an organization.” — Pat Wadors
“Inclusion is the only safety if we are to have a peaceful world.” — Pearl S. Buck.
“Inclusive dialogue and community participation are some of the most potent tools of prevention.” — United Nations Development Programme.
“We must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.” — Xavier University.
By: Austin S Fallah – A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil. A Policy Analyst and A Political Therapist: [email protected].
Liberia is a nation rich in natural resources, including oil (hopefully), iron ore, diamonds, timber, gold, and various other treasures that lie beneath its soil and above its surface.
These vast endowments are not just commodities to be exploited for profit; they are gifts from Meleka-God-Almighty meant to benefit every air-breathing Liberian.
Yet, the citizens of Liberia often find themselves sidelined when discussions about the management and distribution of these resources occur.
When will the elders, the young, the old, women, and downtrodden Liberians be invited to the table, or better yet, to the palava hut, where their voices can be heard in the discussions that directly affect their lives?
Senators, Representatives, and government officials must take the critical step of involving the public in dialogues concerning the nation’s scarce natural resources.
It is only through open and inclusive discussions that Liberia can genuinely transcend its historical patterns of inequality and resource mismanagement.
Historically, Liberia’s governance has been characterized by a “one size fits all” mentality, which has bred discontent, inequity, and a disregard for the voices of ordinary citizens.
Decisions regarding major agreements on resources, such as oil, iron ore, and diamonds, are frequently made in closed-door meetings.
While skilled negotiation and legal processes are essential to these discussions, it is equally important that stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted by these decisions, receive transparent communication and have their opinions sought and respected.
In two separate articles in 2012 and 2014, I advocated for the equitable distribution of oil revenues. I called for inclusive discussions about resource management, following meetings with government officials who discussed Liberia’s revenue and surplus generated from oil block sales, particularly those from NOCAL.
Yet here we are in 2025, grappling with the same pleas for equity and inclusion.
One can hardly overemphasize the importance of involving citizens in discussions about natural resources.
The concept of a palava hut symbolizes a traditional Liberian setting where open dialogues can occur, facilitating community engagement, participation, and consensus-building.
When resources are discussed without the input of the local populace, the fundamental question arises: who benefits?
The election of representatives and senators should not only be a formality but an opportunity for elected officials to serve their constituents by facilitating meaningful engagement.
The exclusion of the public from discussions can lead to policies that may not accurately reflect the needs and desires of those most affected by them.
Community engagement is essential for driving transparency in resource management.
The people need to have a say in the contracts that will dictate the exploration of their resources.
This includes understanding the terms, potential environmental impacts, and the economic benefits that will or will not accrue to them.
In many instances, contracts signed on behalf of citizens have been marred by a lack of clarity and transparency, resulting in communities suffering the consequences.
For instance, the exploitation of Liberia’s timber and mining sectors (including gold and diamonds) has historically left local communities impoverished while enabling foreign entities to reap substantial profits.
This scenario is not specific to Liberia, but rather a common thread observed in many resource-rich yet economically challenged countries worldwide.
By enabling the voices of the downtrodden to be part of the negotiation and decision-making process, Liberia can explore pathways toward sustainable development and equitable distribution of benefits.
This would also align with global best practices for resource management and governance.
Initiatives such as town hall meetings and community forums should be instituted as standard protocols, where citizens feel safe to voice their opinions, share their concerns, and contribute their ideas.
Utilizing technology to facilitate these discussions in the upcoming second quarter of the 21st century and beyond can enhance connectivity and engagement, ensuring that more citizens can participate, regardless of their geographical location.
Furthermore, involving citizens in the discourse enhances democracy.
Democratic principles thrive on the foundation of citizen participation; when people feel they have a stake in the matters that affect their lives, it nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility.
This culture of involvement fosters accountability among legislators and government officials, as constituents become more engaged in holding them accountable for their actions.
The call for an inclusive dialogue, therefore, is not just an economic or environmental concern; it is a fundamental civil right that Liberians must reclaim.
Liberia stands at a critical juncture. The current leaders possess the power to break away from past practices and carve a path that embraces collective decision-making.
This shift will not only empower citizens but also resonate with international partners, who increasingly expect governance that aligns with the principles of inclusion and social responsibility.
In today’s global marketplace, ethical and responsible management of resources can enhance Liberia’s reputation and increase its attractiveness to potential investors.
Contrary to the fears of some leaders that consulting with constituents may complicate negotiations, embracing transparency can lead to more robust and sustainable agreements in the long run.
Liberians must also participate in educating themselves about their rights regarding the nation’s resources.
Grassroots movements, driven by constructive, well-informed, and integrity community-based organizations, can play a pivotal role in this education process.
Leveraging intellectual and respectful social media platforms and community gatherings can amplify the call for transparency and dialogue, pushing for reforms that enshrine these values in Liberia’s governance framework.
Civic education programs could be instrumental in disseminating information, while partnerships with educational institutions and Non-governmental Organizations can further amplify these efforts.
Moreover, the economic empowerment of communities through resource management must be prioritized.
Discussions surrounding natural resources should not merely center on their extraction, but rather on how those resources can catalyze economic development.
There must be programs aimed at ensuring that vocational training and education align with the needs of industries that exploit these natural resources.
Investing in local capacity building can ensure that when contracts are signed and resources begin to flow, there is a framework in place for inclusive economic participation, allowing Liberians the opportunity to benefit directly from their nation’s wealth.
Reflecting on the past decade, it is evident that without a collaborative approach to resource management, Liberia risks falling into the same pitfalls that have plagued many resource-rich nations in West Africa and Africa as a whole.
Let every air-breathing Liberian not wait for another generation to cry out for their place at the table or to reclaim their rightful voice in discussions about their country’s richness.
Every citizen deserves the dignity of being represented in the governance of their resources.
It is incumbent upon the leaders to champion these conversations, leveraging the palava hut or modern town hall formats to foster environments where voices, especially those of the marginalized and underrepresented, can be heard.
Let me say that it is time for a change in Liberia’s approach to natural resource governance.
Inviting the people to the table is not merely an act of goodwill; it is a necessary step towards justice, sustainability, and actual national development.
As a country, Liberia must move away from a culture of exclusion and transition to one that values every voice, leveraging the collective wisdom of its citizens to create an equitable and prosperous nation.
It is an age of transformation, and the time to act is now, before the opportunities slip through the fingers, just as so many riches have before.
Liberians deserve a future where they are intellectual, designers, and co-authors of their destiny, able to shape the narrative of their resources for generations to come.
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