Former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Samuel D. Tweah Jr., has described the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s reaffirmation of Liberia’s eligibility for a second Compact as a “big victory” for the Government and people of Liberia, emphasizing that the achievement represents the power of national unity and continuity in governance. In a public statement, the former Minister highlighted that Liberia’s requalification for the Compact is not only a significant national milestone but also a testament to what can be accomplished when leaders prioritize the country’s collective interest above partisanship.
According to Hon. Tweah, former President George M. Weah “laid the foundation for this victory” by strengthening and consolidating key governance indicators—elements he noted are indispensable to MCC qualification. He stated that without strong governance, transparency, and accountability reforms, no country can qualify for an MCC Compact. He further acknowledged that former President Weah sustained and expanded the governance gains inherited from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, under whose administration Liberia secured its first MCC Compact.
Hon. Tweah noted that this continuity in governance and institutional strengthening created the essential groundwork upon which the second Compact reaffirmation is built. “This Compact award memorializes President Weah’s legacy in governance,” he said, extending gratitude and congratulations to the former Liberian leader. Hon. Tweah emphasized, however, that while passing the MCC scorecard is a necessary step, it is not sufficient on its own to guarantee compact approval. He stressed that diplomatic engagement, strategic negotiations, and effective representation are equally critical components of securing the award. It is in this regard, he said, that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai demonstrated “strong leadership and diplomatic finesse” by presenting Liberia’s case effectively before the MCC Board of Directors.
According to Tweah, President Boakai’s advocacy, coordination, and statesmanship played a decisive role in achieving the compact reaffirmation. “The President leveraged and navigated his predecessor’s foundation with dexterity, skill, and diplomatic finesse,” he noted. “Congratulations Mr. President. Thank you for the leadership and the close.” Hon. Tweah concluded by reiterating that Liberia’s MCC reaffirmation serves as a powerful example of the progress that can be realized when administrations build upon each other’s gains and work collaboratively in the national interest. He called on all Liberians to embrace this moment as a unifying milestone and continue supporting efforts that strengthen governance and accelerate development.
