Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has underscored the importance of integrity, efficiency, and teamwork within the Ministry, calling on all employees to remain committed to transparency and accountability in public service. The Minister made the remarks during the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) three-day Strategic Plan (2025–2030) Retreat, held at the Ambassador Hotel in Unification Town, Margibi County. The retreat, held under the theme “Transforming Priorities into Strategies: Pathway to Efficient Service Delivery,” brought together senior officials, directors, and technical staff to align the Ministry’s goals with Liberia’s national development priorities.
Minister Ngafuan stressed that the Ministry’s work demands the highest level of ethical conduct and professionalism. “Public service, especially within the Ministry of Finance, requires unwavering integrity and transparency,” he said. “Some of you who work diligently will still be called thieves. It’s one of the occupational hazards of working in this Ministry. But don’t let that shake your resolve. Just don’t be a thief.” He reminded employees that they are the custodians of the nation’s financial resources and must therefore act responsibly. “We are the custodians of the nation’s resources the ones who take care of the country’s bananas. Because of that, we cannot be monkeys,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from participants.
Minister Ngafuan called for stronger internal control systems, improved documentation, and greater use of technology to promote transparency, prevent misuse of public funds, and ensure efficient service delivery. He also emphasized the need for institutional discipline and teamwork across all levels of the Ministry, noting that collaboration and mutual respect are vital to achieving collective goals. “I wasn’t here physically during the morning hours of today's session, but I followed it virtually watching with pride as you proved that this Ministry is strong, not dependent on an individual,” he stated. “You are the giants whose shoulders I stand on.” The Minister described the quality of discussions during the retreat as “intellectual, constructive, and deeply patriotic,” adding that organizational success depends more on cooperation than hierarchy. “Sometimes we focus on those above or below us and forget about those beside us the horizontal relationships,” he said. “It’s those around you who often help you move forward.”
Minister Ngafuan encouraged employees to use the retreat as a platform for learning, mentorship, and innovation. He urged them to honor the legacy of those who laid the foundation for institutional reform, including the late Mr. Melvin Johnson, one of the key architects of the Ministry’s strategic planning initiative. “Backstop each other don’t backstab,” he advised. “Let’s make this plan a living document. You’ve shown readiness, and I know the consultants’ job will now be easier.” Concluding his remarks, Minister Ngafuan delivered a passionate message of service and patriotism: “Let’s stay faithful to the big goals improving roads, energy, and economic management. Let’s continue to think big and act with integrity. Liberia depends on us.” Earlier, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Anthony G. Myers, urged staff to take their responsibilities seriously and live up to public expectations. He likened the Ministry’s role in government to that of the human heart, emphasizing its importance to the nation’s functionality. “The heart pumps blood to every part of the body,” he explained.
“If the heart slows down, the brain slows down, and the entire system suffers. That’s the same way the Ministry of Finance operates. If we delay, the whole government slows down.” Deputy Minister for Administration, Bill McGill Jones, described the retreat as “a moment for reflection and recalibration.” He praised the dedication of the staff and technical teams, commending their contributions to the strategic planning process. “Today, we gather to reflect on where we are, where we want to go, and how we intend to get there,” he said. “This process began with us through internal reviews and lessons from the last strategic plan, but it will extend beyond us to include our partners, development institutions, and the Liberian society at large.”
Also speaking, Acting Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning, Hon. Sarah McGill Mulbah, hailed the retreat for fostering collaboration and mutual understanding among departments. “This strategic retreat has given us a chance to know one another beyond titles and office spaces,” she said. “For once, we’re not just working in silos. We’re sharing ideas and building coordination.” She emphasized that the Ministry’s next strategic plan must deliver measurable outcomes that directly benefit the Liberian people and strengthen the nation’s development framework. The MFDP’s Strategic Planning Retreat marks a pivotal step in repositioning the Ministry to effectively lead the implementation of the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism) over the next five years (2025–2029). It also reinforces the Ministry’s vision of fostering a transparent, efficient, and accountable financial management system that supports Liberia’s long-term growth and prosperity.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
