Gol Validates ARREST Agenda As Part of National Development Plan

By P. Vangerline Kpotoe

 MONROVIA, Nov. 5 (LINA) – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has launched a two-day validation exercise to implement the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a core part of the country’s National Development Plan (NDP).

At the opening of the ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine K. Ngafuan highlighted that this validation process is a critical milestone on the path to officially launching and implementing the AAID.

He emphasized that the development of this draft plan has been a comprehensive and collaborative process, initiated with a national consultative exercise led by President Joseph N. Boakai on July 18, 2024, which followed a "bottom-up" approach to gather input from citizens nationwide.

 "Today’s draft AAID reflects the outcomes of our extensive consultations across Liberia, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning sincerely appreciates the response, support, and goodwill received throughout the process," Minister Ngafuan stated.

 Minister Ngafuan noted that the economic diversification efforts, with particular attention to tourism and agriculture, have strong potential to attract private-sector investment.

Representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Clement Lugala Peter commended the Ministry’s commitment to realizing Liberia’s development vision.

“This plan has been crafted through dedication and collective effort, emphasizing inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration,” he said.

Dr. Peter underscored the importance of aligning Liberia’s development goals with both the African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

He further urged stakeholders to actively contribute to finalizing the AAID, emphasizing the importance of resourcing, implementing, and monitoring the plan to ensure it truly reflects Liberia’s aspirations.

"This process is pivotal, and as partners, we are committed to supporting Liberia in its journey toward sustainable development," Dr. Peter concluded.

The AAID centers on a medium-term development agenda that prioritizes agriculture, infrastructure, and governance.

Agriculture development will focus on strengthening agribusiness value chains, while infrastructure initiatives will improve roads, ICT, energy, and transport networks, including sea and air.

Additionally, the plan underscores a commitment to governance reforms, with particular focus on rule of law and anti-corruption efforts. Education and healthcare are also key pillars, targeting early childhood through higher education and improved health outcomes through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs.