LACC, UNDP Call for Robust National M&E System

By Lewis S. Teh

MONROVIA, June 25, 2026 — The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have reaffirmed their support for establishing a robust and coordinated national Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, describing it as critical to strengthening accountability, improving governance, and ensuring efficient use of public resources.

Speaking at a national symposium on Monitoring and Evaluation, LACC Oversight Commissioner for the Monitoring and Investigation Department, Dr. Miatta Jeh, said effective M&E systems are indispensable to measuring performance, enhancing transparency, and improving public service delivery.

“Strong M&E systems enable institutions to measure results, identify challenges, and make informed decisions based on evidence,” Dr. Jeh said. “For the LACC, effective M&E is a tool for enhancing transparency, identifying corruption risks, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.”

She acknowledged that Liberia has made progress in promoting accountability and results-based management but noted that significant challenges remain, including weak institutional capacity, poor data systems, and inadequate coordination among public institutions.

“To address these challenges, we must strengthen coordination across institutions, improve the quality and reliability of data, and promote a culture of accountability where performance and results matter,” she said. “Strong M&E systems ultimately help build public trust and improve governance outcomes.”

Dr. Jeh reaffirmed the LACC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote accountability, integrity, and good governance across Liberia.

Also speaking at the symposium, UNDP Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Amara N. M. Kanneh commended the Governance Commission and its partners for leading what he described as a significant national effort to strengthen Liberia’s development planning and accountability framework.

Kanneh said although substantial investments have been made in Liberia’s development over the years, measuring their overall impact has remained a major challenge.

“One of the most practical ways to solve this problem is to establish a vibrant Monitoring and Evaluation system that enables us to plan effectively and monitor how resources are being utilized,” he said.

He noted that with development financing becoming increasingly constrained due to global donor fatigue, Liberia must ensure that its limited resources are managed efficiently.

“There is donor fatigue, so we must make the best use of the resources available to us,” Kanneh said. “There is no better way to achieve that than through a strong Monitoring and Evaluation system that clearly defines objectives from the outset and tracks progress toward achieving them.”

Kanneh stressed that development institutions are increasingly shifting from simply tracking activities to measuring tangible, evidence-based results.

“It is no longer about implementing activities; it is about understanding the results those activities produce,” he said. “To achieve that, you must have a vibrant Monitoring and Evaluation system.”

He emphasized two guiding principles for effective governance and development planning: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” and “Anything that is not reported is not done.”

According to Kanneh, reporting must be supported by credible evidence, underscoring the global transition from traditional Monitoring and Evaluation to results-based Monitoring and Evaluation.

“We want to see measurable results, and those results must be backed by evidence,” he said.

Kanneh said a coordinated national M&E framework would enable the Government of Liberia and its development partners to better track performance, strengthen institutional accountability, and demonstrate the impact of development interventions.

He encouraged participants to provide substantive input into the draft national M&E policy currently under review to ensure it effectively meets the country’s development needs.

Reaffirming UNDP’s longstanding partnership with Liberia, Kanneh noted that the agency, which has operated in the country since 1977, remains committed to supporting democratic governance and institutional strengthening.

He said UNDP’s 2026-2030 Country Programme Document focuses on three strategic priorities: human capital development, democratic governance, and economic and environmental resilience.

“We are by your side, and we will continue to support you throughout this journey,” Kanneh told participants. “You can count on UNDP.”

The symposium brought together government institutions, oversight bodies, and development partners to advance discussions on establishing an integrated national Monitoring and Evaluation framework aimed at strengthening accountability, improving decision-making, and delivering measurable development outcomes for Liberians.