Rwanda offers good lessons- Liberian officials

Rwamagana-A delegation of 10 officials from Liberia’s Ministry of Finance have commended the fiscal decentralisation policy in Rwanda.Led by Eudora Blay Pritchard, the group was in Rwamagana this week to learn from Rwanda’s Public Financial Reforms they plan to adopt in their country.

Saturday, May 28, 2011
Eudora Blay Pritchard addresses the meeting in Rwamagana (Photo; S. Rwembeho)

Rwamagana-A delegation of 10 officials from Liberia’s Ministry of Finance have commended the fiscal decentralisation policy in Rwanda.

Led by Eudora Blay Pritchard, the group was in Rwamagana this week to learn from Rwanda’s Public Financial Reforms they plan to adopt in their country.

The officials on the study tour were drawn from the expenditure, controller section and cash and treasury management in the Ministry of Finance.

Pritchard, Deputy Controller/Treasurer Services, said their tour came as a recommendation from their government to gather hands-on experience from Rwanda.

"Our Minister of Finance was here recently. This visit is in line with our government’s plan to make some public financial reforms,” she said.

She observed that Rwanda has moved a significant step towards the implementation of the fiscal decentralisation policy.

"Rwanda offers good lessons that we shall share with our colleagues back in Liberia. We admit that Rwanda is ahead and we can follow behind. Ours is purely a centralised policy, hence making a big difference.”

Geoffrey Mushaija, the Executive Secretary of Rwamagana district, told the visitors that public financial reforms were responsible for development in districts.

He explained that the aim of the reform was to ensure efficient, effective and accountable use of public resources.

"The strategy focuses on building human resource capacity, putting in place modern and effective systems. It also gives proper procedures for effective financial management and reporting and best practices for a more efficient and transparent system,” he said.
Liberia is recovering from 14 years of civil war.

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