Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has reassured Liberians that his administration is dedicated to revive the economy and promote a future of inclusive development and transformation is the main objective as he commissioned Liberia’s new Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuna.
Speaking Friday, September 13, 2024, during the commissioning ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, Boakai admitted to facing a critical issue of restoring the economy to raise output and guarantee a better future for every citizen.
Moving ahead, he said, calls for imaginative leadership and a strong dedication to result-oriented activities.
President Boakai told Minister Ngafuna that championing the implementation of Liberia’s economic policies and guaranteeing efficient service delivery to the people depends mostly on the Minister of Finance and Development Planning.
“Our five-year development plan, The ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, acts as a lighthouse leading our national transformation. This agenda reflects our shared dream for a Liberia in which development is not just sped forward but also fairly distributed. It is our road map to a day when every person gains from the products of our development.”
To fulfill this ambition, President Boakai said, the new Finance Minister has to be result-oriented and disciplined. The Liberian leader narrated that his government need to create plans to strengthen the economy, creating an environment where businesses can succeed and where investments result in real benefits for communities. He explained that it involves simplifying procedures, improving infrastructure, and supporting sectors with the potential for sustainable growth.
“Accountability and transparency are crucial for good governance. The minister must guarantee that financial management practices are strong, and resources are used effectively. Each project should be evaluated based on its potential to produce measurable results that directly improve the lives of our citizens.”
According to him, the ARREST Agenda prioritizes equal opportunity; adding, development efforts should bridge the gap between different regions and socio-economic groups, ensuring that no one is left behind.
President Boakai said by promoting policies that support marginalized communities and foster job creation, his government can build a more cohesive and resilient society. He indicated that effective service delivery depends on the strength of our institutions.
President Boakai charged the Minister Ngafuna to play a critical role in strengthening these institutions, ensuring they are well-resourced and capable of executing their mandates with integrity and efficiency.
“As we move forward, let us remember that the success of our development agenda depends on our collective effort. It is through collective leadership and active citizen participation that we will achieve our goals.”
The President said the task Minister Ngafuna has taken is enormous, but it also holds immense potential for change; saying, the Minister should approach the challenge with determination and hope, understanding that together the government can create a prosperous and inclusive Liberia for everyone.
