Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia (GOL) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed Amendments 14 and 15 to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DAOG).
The Amendments is said to have an additional One Hundred and Fourteen Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Five United States Dollars (US$114,488,125.00) addition to the agreement DAOG of 2020.
“The signing of the amendments is a strengthening of the historic bilateral ties between the peoples of the United States of America and Liberia,” Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said during the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Monrovia.
According to the Minister of Finance, the American government and people are a trustworthy partner of Liberia’s government and people, helping several facets of the country’s growth. According to Minister Ngafuan, the new DOAG changes would expedite health and education reforms and offer Liberians vital services.
Minister Ngafuan stated that this agreement will support initiatives in three key areas: market-driven inclusive economic growth that promotes the creation of more jobs; inclusive and effective governance that is sparked by reforms and increased accountability; and a foundation for growth that is reinforced by a population that is healthy, productive, and educated.
According to him, the operations span a number of industries, including justice, health, education, and agriculture.
Investment in sectors of the domestic economy with the greatest potential to generate jobs for our people, particularly in the private sector, is essential for a sustainable approach to development. This must be done in tandem with initiatives to encourage accountability in public sector organizations and guarantee that resources are managed wisely for the benefit of all of our people, Hon. Ngafuan stated.
On behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Minister of Finance and Development Planning conveyed his appreciation to the American government and people for their dedication to the Liberia’s progress.
Speaking as well, US Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner stated that the event demonstrates the US government’s shared commitment to promoting Liberia’s development and fortifying the two countries’ cooperative ties.
Ambassador Toner hinted that major progress has been made since the 640 million five-year Development Objective deal was launched in May 2020, requiring the additional US$114.4 million, bringing the total investment to date to US$ 489 million.
The US Ambassador described the amendments’ signing as a new phase in Liberia’s development and prosperity. He noted that the funding represents more than just financial support; it reflects the US steadfast commitment and investment in Liberia’s future.
Ambassador Toner said that USAID will improve economic prospects in agriculture, educate educators, and supply health supplies to underserved regions.
The US and Liberian governments, he continued, will make sure that every dollar helps the Liberian people achieve long-term success.
“As we start this new chapter, we also need to recognize the obstacles that still need to be overcome, such as capacity issues and corruption. In order to solve these concerns, we must work together to strengthen the current mechanisms,” the US Ambassador said.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and was attended by USAID Mission Director Jim Wright; Deputy Justice Minister for Codification, Cllr. Cora N. Konuwa; as well as Deputy and Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and Officials of the US Embassy near Monrovia.
