National Council of Chiefs Support Office's Executive Director; Joseph S. Cooper
The Ministry of Local Government (MLG) and the National Council of Chiefs Support Office Launch Office Staff Capacity Development and Enrichment Training.
Kakata City, Margibi County
February 17, 2026
The Ministry of Local Government (MLG) and the National Council of Chiefs Support Office Launch Office Staff Capacity Development and Enrichment Training.
The initiative, held under the theme “Enhancing Capacity of Staff of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office for Effective Performance,” aims to strengthen institutional efficiency, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery within Liberia's traditional governance structure.
The training brings together staff of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office and key stakeholders from the Ministry of Local Government. It reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local governance systems and ensuring that traditional leaders are adequately supported through capable and professional administrative structures.
Strengthening Institutional Performance
Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Hon. O.J. Godfavor Morris, Superintendent of Margibi County, praised the National Council of Chiefs Support Office and the Ministry of Local Government for spearheading the initiative.
He emphasized that capacity development remains a cornerstone for effective governance and sustainable development at the county and national levels.
Superintendent Morris noted that the training comes at a critical time when institutions are being called upon to operate with greater efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.
According to him, empowering staff with the necessary skills and knowledge will not only enhance their individual performance but also strengthen the overall operations of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration between traditional authorities and the Ministry of Local Government, stating that such partnerships are essential in promoting decentralization, peacebuilding, and inclusive community development across Liberia.
The Superintendent encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to their daily responsibilities.
Call for Commitment and Professional Growth
Also speaking at the program, Mr. Joseph S. Cooper, Executive Director of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office, encouraged staff to take the training seriously and view it as an opportunity for professional growth and institutional transformation.
Mr. Cooper emphasized that productivity and performance are directly linked to capacity and competence. He noted that the Support Office plays a vital role in coordinating and facilitating the work of traditional leaders across the country, and as such, its staff must demonstrate high standards of professionalism, integrity, and efficiency.
He urged participants to be open to learning, to share experiences, and to embrace new approaches that will improve workflow, documentation, reporting systems, and overall service delivery.
Mr. Cooper further reaffirmed the commitment of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office to continuous staff development as a strategy for achieving its mandate effectively.
Ministry Reaffirms Support for Institutional Development
Making remarks on behalf of Hon. Mulbah K. Mulbah, Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning at the Ministry of Local Government, D. Emmanuel Wheinyue, Assistant Minister for Research and Development Planning, reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering support for capacity building initiatives within institutions under its supervision.
Assistant Minister Wheinyue highlighted that effective performance within the National Council of Chiefs Support Office is essential to strengthening traditional governance and ensuring alignment with national development priorities. He stressed that building the technical and administrative skills of staff is not optional but necessary in today’s evolving governance landscape.
According to him, the Ministry remains committed to providing policy guidance, technical support, and strategic direction to enhance institutional performance across counties. He described the training as part of a broader effort to improve coordination, data management, planning processes, and monitoring mechanisms within the local governance framework.
He further encouraged participants to fully utilize the training as a platform to deepen their understanding of administrative best practices, performance management, teamwork, and accountability. By doing so, he noted, the Support Office will be better positioned to deliver quality services to traditional leaders and communities nationwide.
Advancing Effective Local Governance
The capacity development and enrichment training is expected to cover key areas including administrative efficiency, planning and reporting, communication skills, records management, and teamwork. These components are designed to equip staff with practical tools to enhance productivity and ensure effective institutional performance.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Local Government’s broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening decentralization, improving service delivery, and fostering collaboration between government institutions and traditional authorities.
By investing in staff capacity, the Ministry and the National Council of Chiefs Support Office are reinforcing their commitment to responsive and accountable governance.
As the training progresses, participants are expected to develop actionable strategies to improve daily operations and contribute meaningfully to the mandate of the National Council of Chiefs Support Office. The workshop represents a significant step toward building a more competent and results-oriented administrative structure in support of Liberia’s traditional leadership system.
The program concludes on February 18, 2026, with renewed optimism that strengthened institutional capacity will translate into improved performance and enhanced service delivery for the benefit of communities across the country.
