Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has returned as the country’s finance minister, nearly 10 years after he left government during the administration of ex-president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
At an elaborate takeover ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and Development and Planning (MFDP) in Monrovia Minister Ngafuan vowed to address revenue leakages to boost budget growth and increase financial resources for national development.
Minister Ngafuan described his return as fulfilling God’s will for Liberia, reaffirming his commitment to advancing the nation’s growth and development.
He articulated his vision for enhancing road networks and pledged a higher budget for infrastructure development.
Minister Ngafuan assured Liberia’s ongoing development, saying, “It is our responsibility to strive for the fulfillment of our people’s aspirations.”
He emphasized that more progress is in store for Liberia.
“We want to enable Liberians to visit their homes on weekends and return to Monrovia for work in order to improve financial revenue for infrastructure,” he stated.
“Our people’s ambitions extend beyond mere electoral power. We in the government must work tirelessly to meet these aspirations,” he added.
Ngafuan highlights competence and Integrity as pillars of the new MFDP, as they would play a pivotal role in the new approach to development.
“Integrity, competence, and qualifications are crucial to the greater goals of the MFDP, “ therefore it is upon us to uphold with integrity and competence, Ngafuan said.
He urged employees to maintain integrity, crucial for progress, and emphasized responsible management of public funds and separation of their salaries from public money.
Ngafuan urged employees to remain focused on their duties despite challenges and hindrances that may oppose them.
He also reiterated his commitment to fostering transparent and effective financial administration in Liberia.
Ngafuan served as Finance Minister from 2008 to 2012 under the first term of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He was then appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2015
