Washington, U.S– Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan has highlighted a comprehensive overview of the Boakai-Koung administration’s advancements in securing Liberia’s eligibility for a second Compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
During a series of important meetings held in Washington, D.C., Ngafuan detailed the administration’s strategic initiatives aimed at assembling and enhancing an intra-governmental team dedicated to the ongoing monitoring of the MCC Scorecard. This initiative is crucial in ensuring adherence to the specific requirements laid out by the MCC, which are essential for Liberia’s continued partnership with the organization.
Ngafuan underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to principles of transparency and accountability in governance. He outlined several ongoing measures designed to strengthen this commitment, including rigorous auditing processes of ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs).
Minister Ngafuan asserted the importance of holding individuals accused of corruption to account and highlighted the formation of an asset recovery team tasked with reclaiming misappropriated state resources.
In an effort to further enhance diplomatic relations, Ngafuan emphasized the critical need to reinstate the U.S.-Liberia Political Dialogue, which he described as an essential structured framework for fostering bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations.
During his discussions with pivotal MCC officials, such as Acting Assistant Secretary for the Economic Bureau of the U.S. State Department Amy Holman and Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department for Fiscal Affairs Alexia Latortue, Ngafuan reiterated the government’s steadfast dedication to improving the livelihoods of the Liberian people.
He noted the collaborative efforts taking place between the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the General Auditing Commission, and the Ministry of Justice, which are collectively working to prosecute individuals involved in corruption scandals effectively.
He, however, highlighted Liberia’s positive and constructive engagements with notable international partners that play a significant role in the nation’s development. He brought attention to key achievements, such as the approval of a substantial $210 million Economic Compact Fund (ECF) program by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the receipt of $60 million in direct budgetary support from the World Bank.
Ngafuan framed these accomplishments as clear indicators of the administration’s steadfast commitment to achieving critical socio-economic targets and improving governance standards in Liberia.
Addressing, MCC’s Managing Director of Policy and Evaluation, Daniel W. Barnes, recognized and praised Liberia for its proactive measures and dedication to combating corruption while striving to reduce poverty levels.
He assured the delegation of the MCC’s commitment to providing technical support to the intra-governmental team that is focused on monitoring and improving the MCC Scorecard.
Making a brief remark, Madam Holman expressed gratitude to the Minister Ngafuan and his delegation, conveying her impression for the level of work that has been implemented. She expressed her commitment to continuous working with the government.
Also speaking, Madam Latortue further noted the concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury regarding the World Bank IDA replenishment. She conveyed confidence in Liberia’s candidacy for the pandemic resilience program.
She then assured the delegation of the US Treasury’s readiness to collaborate with the Government of Liberia on the reinstitution of the US-Liberia Political Dialogue, the support of the US CDC on the pandemic resilience program, and the preparedness of working with Liberia on her fiscal programs, policy on public private partnerships (PPP), infrastructure investment, capacity building.
The Liberian delegation at the meetings also included Agriculture Minister, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Finance Minister for Economic Affairs Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo and the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Washington D.C. Isaac Yeah, Mr. Edward Smith, Special Assistant to the Minister and the Communication Director at the Ministry, Mrs. Patience amongst others.
