ACCRA, Ghana – The World Bank has appointed Mr. Robert Taliercio O’Brien as Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in the Western and Central Africa Region. His appointment takes effect from January 2nd, 2024, and he will be based in the World Bank’s Accra Office.

Mr. Taliercio, an American national, joined the World Bank in 2000 as a Young Professional in the Africa region and has served as Practice Manager, Lead Economist, and Country Economist in multiple regions, including East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, and Africa. His most recent assignment has been as Regional Director in the Latin America and Caribbean Region for the Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions (EFI) Department.

Prior to joining the World Bank, Mr. Taliercio was a Lecturer in Public Finance at the Harvard Institute for International Development and a Manager for HIID’s Program on Investment Appraisal and Management. He also served as a visiting professor at the Bolivian Catholic University. He has written on public finance policy and administration in academic journals, books, and development publications. He has received service awards from the Ministers of Finance of the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

In his new position Mr. Taliercio’s top three priorities will be to: (i) lead the Bank’s strategic dialogue with these countries and support the implementation of the Africa Region’s priorities, (ii) deepen the policy dialogue and partnership with governments and key stakeholders, and (iii) oversee the delivery and implementation of the lending and non-lending portfolio.

Mr. Taliercio holds a PhD and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University. He has written on public finance policy and administration in academic journals, books, and development publications.

Monrovia – The outgoing World Bank Country Director for Liberia, Pierre Laporte, has commended Liberia for what he termed notable achievements that have transformed the country into a more stable and peaceful nation.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Mr. Laporte is not only the outgoing Country Director for Liberia but also for Ghana and Sierra Leone, having served four and a half years in this role.

Speaking during his farewell dinner organized by the Weah-led government at the EJS Ministerial Complex on December 5, 2023, Mr. Laporte stated that the peaceful conduct of Liberia’s 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections demonstrates that Liberians are on an irreversible path toward development and prosperity.

“One notable achievement for Liberia during my tenure was when the country graduated from the classification of a fragile, conflict, and violence (FCV) state in 2022,” Laporte said.

He added, “Liberia must sustain these gains to remain on the pedestal of growth and prosperity. And for this, good governance, transparency, and respect for the rule of law must continue to prevail.”

Laporte also praised President Weah for his exemplary leadership and honorable and dignified acceptance of the results, ensuring an orderly transition of power.

“As I leave for a new assignment at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, I remain confident that Liberia will continue to distinguish itself among nations of the world as a peaceful and democratic country, of which all Liberians should be proud,” he said.

Laporte added, “I am leaving with fond memories of this beautiful country with lots of untapped resources, including a long stretch of the Atlantic coastal belt, and great tourism potential.”

In conclusion, the outgoing World Bank Country Director for Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone complimented the Minister of Finance and Development Planning for what he termed as an excellent working relationship.

“I cannot end without saying a special word of appreciation to Honorable Samuel Tweah, Minister of Finance and Development Planning. Minister Tweah has not only been an excellent counterpart, but I will remember him as a pragmatic, bold, and visionary Finance Minister, not hesitating to put his country first with difficult reforms and decisions when others would have shied away.”