Monrovia, Liberia: In a powerful address, newly appointed Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan emphasized the urgent need for collective action to meet the ambitions of Liberians across the country. Speaking at a program marking his official takeover of the Ministry, Ngafuan highlighted the importance of integrity, competence, and humility in public service, particularly for those responsible for managing the nation’s resources.
Reflecting on his return to the Ministry of Finance after more than 12 years, Ngafuan said, “My coming here is a fulfillment of the will of God. The will of God is that Liberia should develop and that Liberians should hope for a better tomorrow.” His remarks set a tone of commitment to national progress, urging government officials to be instruments for fulfilling the people’s ambitions.
A Call for Integrity
Central to Ngafuan’s address was the demand for integrity among government officials. “If you are qualified and competent but lack integrity, you become a danger to the state,” he warned. Ngafuan stressed the need for disciplined public service, especially in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). “We manage the nation’s resources… We must have the discipline to be broke while managing millions,” he said, referencing his past experiences at the Central Bank of Liberia and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Ngafuan underscored that Liberia’s development relies on public servants who prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal gain. He cautioned that failing to perform their duties effectively could have grave consequences, even leading to the preventable deaths of citizens due to inadequate infrastructure. “The consequences of our actions and inactions are grave,” he noted.
Meeting the Ambitions of the People
Throughout the speech, Ngafuan emphasized that the aspirations of ordinary Liberians, from towns and counties far from Monrovia, must be central to national policies. Whether it’s a person’s dream for their family in 2024 or a broader vision for 2030, the government—and particularly the Ministry of Finance—must remain dedicated to turning these hopes into reality.
“We are not the smartest or most productive. There are smarter Liberians out there,” Ngafuan humbly acknowledged, urging officials to view their roles as privileges rather than entitlements. “Our people have ambitions that go beyond electoral cycles. We in government should feel lucky to be entrusted with fulfilling those ambitions.”
Building a Performance Culture
To achieve these goals, Ngafuan outlined a plan to establish a performance management culture within the Ministry of Finance. His focus is on ensuring that civil servants are evaluated based on their qualifications, competence, and integrity, with the ultimate goal of fostering productivity and accountability. “Your work must be the light,” Ngafuan declared, urging staff to let their actions shine through their performance.
He also highlighted the need for reforms across government institutions to promote a merit-based culture where employee performance is objectively evaluated. “We must create a performance management culture where employees do not worry too much about the transition of political actors,” Ngafuan stated, stressing the importance of continuity in government operations.
Expanding the Nation’s Economic Potential
In his concluding remarks, Ngafuan stressed the importance of growing Liberia’s budget by improving revenue collection and eliminating leakages. With ambitious plans in place for the extractive and agricultural sectors, Ngafuan outlined the government’s focus on addressing infrastructure challenges, especially in transportation, which he identified as one of the major constraints to economic growth.
Ngafuan called for collaboration across government agencies to support sectoral ambitions, particularly in agriculture and road development, which he believes are key to unlocking Liberia’s economic potential. “We must connect our country,” Ngafuan emphasized, explaining that better infrastructure would allow citizens to travel and engage more effectively in the nation’s development process.
A Nation’s Hope for the Future
As Ngafuan wrapped up his address, the message was clear: Liberia’s future depends on the integrity, competence, and commitment of its public servants. While setting high expectations for the Ministry of Finance, Ngafuan expressed optimism that the combined efforts of government officials, alongside the will of the Liberian people, could lead to a brighter and more prosperous future.
“We are honored and privileged to be in this building to fulfill the people’s ambition. That’s why we must take it very seriously,” Ngafuan concluded.
Liberia stands at a crucial point in its development journey, and Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan is calling on the country’s leaders to guide the nation toward sustainable growth and prosperity.
P. Vangeline Kpotoe is a Liberian journalist specializing in environmental, climate change, and economic reporting. Kpotoe, an Internews Environmental reporting fellow, is known for her extensive coverage of issues such as coastal erosion, deforestation, and the economic impact of climate change on Liberia’s vulnerable communities. In addition to her environmental work, Kpotoe has been a vocal advocate for the rights of people with albinism, using her platform to raise awareness and fight discrimination. Her reporting also delves into financial and economic affairs, highlighting challenges in Liberia’s economy and advocating for sustainable solutions to its economic and environmental crises.