Africa-Press – Liberia. Bong County Electoral District 6 Representative, Moima Dabah Briggs Mensah, has raised serious concerns over the prolonged dormancy of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Liberia, particularly in rural areas.
She is calling for the Ministry of Youth and Sports and representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to appear before the House of Representatives to provide full accountability for the funds allocated to the sector.
In a communication addressed to House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and read during the 12th day sitting of the second session of the 55th Legislature on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Rep. Briggs Mensah pointed to what she described as “growing concerns” surrounding the flow and use of resources earmarked for the development and operation of TVET institutions.
“There is an urgent need to address youth unemployment, close the skill gap, and promote rural development,” the Salala District lawmaker stated in her communication. “This Honorable Body must be briefed on the status, challenges, outcomes, and future plans for the TVET sector.”
Rep. Briggs Mensah cited the Tumutu Agriculture, Vocational and Technical Institute (TAVTI) in Bong County as a notable example of a key institution that remains non-operational despite ongoing public and donor investments. She described the institute’s continued inaccessibility as deeply troubling, especially amid high youth demand for vocational training.
“There is a disconnect between the funds received and the actual services being delivered to our people,” she said. “The limited accessibility and non-operational status of many TVET institutions, particularly those in rural communities, is deeply concerning. We must ensure that resources are being used effectively and that Liberian youth, especially in underserved areas, are truly benefitting.”
Rep. Briggs Mensah, who chairs the House Committee on Gender Equity, Child Development and Social Services, warned that the persistent failure to operationalize these institutions undermines national efforts to combat youth unemployment and foster economic empowerment through skills development.
Following the reading of her communication, the lawmaker convened a press conference where she reiterated her call for legislative action and emphasized the need for transparency in both government and donor-funded projects. She stressed that both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNIDO must be summoned to appear before the House to present detailed reports on the TVET programs they are managing.
If honored by plenary, the summoned officials will be expected to clarify issues surrounding budgetary allocations, donor contributions, implementation challenges, and measurable outcomes tied to the TVET sector.
“The youth of Liberia cannot continue to be sidelined while funds are allocated on paper but produce no impact on the ground,” Rep. Briggs Mensah said. “This is about accountability. It’s about giving our young people a chance to learn, work, and build a future.”
Her demand comes amid broader scrutiny of how both national and international funds are being managed in Liberia’s education and training sectors. Observers say the TVET system remains a critical component of national development, and any failure to properly invest in it could have long-term consequences for Liberia’s workforce and economy.
The House of Representatives is expected to deliberate on her request in an upcoming session, and many lawmakers have expressed early support for her call, citing similar concerns in their own constituencies.
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