Monrovia, Liberia – Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, has reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing civil servants’ financial standing.
During his appearance on ELBC and broadcast across the country Thursday, October 17, 2024, Minister Ngafuan assured the nation that efforts are in progress to increase the disposable income of civil servants, with key details set to be disclosed in the upcoming national budget.
“Increasing civil servants’ disposable income is the main objective of our administration. We plan to present the next budget to the Legislature at the end of October, and it will contain the details of this initiative.
He stressed that the government is committed to making sure Liberians have more disposable income. “As a responsible administration, we are dedicated to making well-informed financial decisions concerning both spending and revenue.”
Minister Ngafuan also spoke on the challenges surrounding the wage harmonization initiatives of the previous administration, voicing concerns about the disparities that resulted. He added that many civil servants with equivalent salaries experienced unequal gross pay, which has led to dissatisfaction and financial difficulties for some.
“Even in harmonization, there was victimization. Individuals with equal salaries were subject to unequal gross pay, and there are still civil servants earning less than $70.”
As part of a larger plan to promote economic stability and improve public service, these comments emphasize the administration’s increased focus on making sure civil officials receive fair remuneration, the Finance Minister noted.
The Minister maintained that leaving the old harmonization model behind will be difficult for the present government, especially after the Central Bank of Liberia had to take out $83 million from reserves in order to pay for two months’ worth of wages in 2023.
“We have to deal with unpaid ECOWAS trade levies that have been transferred to us and millions of unpaid checks that have been left with vendors. We’re working hard to have these commitments taken care of.”
Minister Ngafuan assured civil servants of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving their lives and the well-being of all Liberians.
