Monrovia, Liberia – The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and other development partners have been invited to Liberia by Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, for more transformative projects that will complement the nation’s National Development Plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
He made the proposal while meeting with Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), on the sidelines of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund’s 2024 Annual Meetings.
He asserted that in his capacity as Minister of Finance and Development Planning, he will be instrumental in regaining the trust of Liberia’s development partners.
“I will take the lead in regaining the trust of all development partners in Liberia as Minister of Finance and Development Planning,” declares Minister Ngafuan. He pointed out that once trust is rebuilt, all development partners including EBID would be able to support Liberia’s development plan, which will affect people in every economic sector.
“We are committed to doing more transformative projects that will align with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. However, for me the first claims on revenue are to pay debt to unlock transformative projects. Liberia’s resource envelope is small but I am doing some constructive fight to spend wisely and spend creditable. Therefore, in the future, we will use all of our development to increase confidence, trust, and dedication to promoting growth throughout the nation.’’
Minister Ngafuan expressed gratitude to the President and executives of EBID for the dedication and effort put out in Liberia. “I want to thank you for everything you and your team have done in Liberia. Although the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is contributing positively to the country, as a nation we must do more to raise Liberia’s share of all international institutions, including EBID.”
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, praised Minister Ngafuan for his efforts and dedication to fortifying ties with Liberia and urged further cooperative partnerships with the country.
“Re-engaging Liberia and raising funds for initiatives there are priorities for us. To promote Liberia’s development, it is critical that we reestablish contact with the country and begin resolving long-standing disputes. We value your collaboration and anticipate a stronger investment partnership in Liberia. We also want to stress that we are prepared to travel to Liberia, work with your development plan, and ensure that everyone works together to complete tasks quickly.”
