In a statement delivered at his confirmation hearing before the Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget Committee of the Liberian Senate, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning-designate, expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Senate for the opportunity to outline his vision for the nation’s fiscal future.
“I come in genuflection to the Almighty God, who has made this day possible,” Ngafuan began, acknowledging the significance of the occasion. He likened his nomination to a call to duty, emphasizing his commitment to serving Liberia with humility and passion. “I solemnly pledge to defend our nation’s cause and put Liberia first, above all else,” he stated.
Ngafuan acknowledged the immense challenges ahead, admitting, “I don’t come with a magic wand,” but he assured the committee that he is prepared to take decisive actions to address complex issues facing the country. He highlighted several key priorities he intends to pursue if confirmed:
Effective Resource Allocation: Ngafuan stressed the importance of aligning the national budget with a credible development agenda, specifically the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). He aims to ensure that resources are directed toward national priorities and that the FY 2025 budget reflects these goals.
Increased Resource Generation: He proposed a multifaceted approach to raise more revenue for development, including unlocking the potential of the energy sector, improving infrastructure, and supporting the newly launched “Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda.” He emphasized the need for collaboration with various ministries and agencies to achieve these objectives.
Enhancing Budget Credibility and Efficiency: Ngafuan highlighted the necessity of realistic revenue forecasting and improving the efficiency of budget execution. He aims to reduce red tape and ensure timely payments to vendors and contractors, thereby fostering a more predictable economic environment.
Compliance with Financial Management Laws: He acknowledged the challenges of low compliance with financial regulations and expressed his commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen adherence to these laws, ultimately preventing fraud and misuse of resources.
Reviewing the Harmonization Program: Ngafuan plans to conduct a thorough review of the government’s pay harmonization policy to address concerns from stakeholders while ensuring a motivated public workforce.
Prudent Debt Management: He underscored the importance of responsible borrowing and managing Liberia’s debt, which has reached a critical point of medium risk. Ngafuan pledged to approach debt repayment with transparency and accountability.
Climate Action: Recognizing the threats posed by climate change, he committed to supporting Liberia’s climate action agenda and leveraging available climate finance opportunities.
Ngafuan concluded by stating that his vision is not exhaustive but a starting point. He expressed his willingness to seek input from Liberians and the National Legislature as he leads the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. “My role as Minister, if confirmed, will be to make the Ministry work well,” he affirmed.
As the committee deliberates on his nomination, Ngafuan’s comprehensive plan outlines a proactive approach to addressing Liberia’s fiscal challenges and fostering sustainable development.
