Min. Ngafuan Keen On Eschewing Bureaucratic Processes In National Development

By P. Vangerline Kpotoe

The Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Augustine K. Ngafuan, has emphasized the need to address bureaucratic processes to enhance Liberia’s progress in decentralizing governance as a means of fostering the government's efforts in executing the ARREST agenda.

Speaking at an engagement meeting with the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Friday, September 27, 2024, at a local hotel in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan highlighted that by carefully listening to the concerns and insights of lawmakers, the government can successfully formulate and implement plans that prioritize the citizens’ welfare, reaffirming his institution’s commitment to "putting citizens first and last."

According to Minister Ngafuan, the government is focused on creating a system that delivers transparent and effective development across the counties, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed.

“Perfection should not delay progress,” he urged, calling on lawmakers to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance. Give us what you have, and let’s move forward," he stressed.

Ngafuan further explained that legislators are critical in addressing inefficiencies in the county development process, as they have direct contact with their constituents and understand their needs.

He urged lawmakers to work together in drafting a comprehensive document that would address these issues and meet the needs of the communities.

The meeting included discussions on how to tackle challenges in county development and advance the government’s agenda efficiently, as Minister Ngafuan assured that the Ministry  remains committed to swift and effective action to ensure progress. 

For his part, Senator Prince Moye of Bong County described the meeting as a pivotal step toward creating a more responsive and efficient system for county development.

He emphasized the importance of lawmakers collaborating to find solutions that will benefit their communities and districts.

Additionally, Edward K. Mulbah, Deputy Minister for Research and Development at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted that decentralization holds significant potential for human development in Liberia.

He reiterated that, consistent with the ARREST agenda’s objectives, the new governance framework would enhance political and economic decision-making at the local level, improving living conditions across the country.

The engagement also provided County Legislative Caucuses with findings from their respective counties and solicited their perspectives on both the County Development Agendas and the ARREST Agenda.

The consultation process, launched on July 18, 2024, by President Joseph N. Boakai, spanned 15 counties and 136 districts, with district-level discussions followed by county-level validation sessions. Six teams were dispatched to gather data, which will inform the development of Liberia’s counties moving forward.