Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Friday, May 15, mounted a strong defense of Presient Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
Ngafaun insisted that Liberia is “making significant progress despite criticism from political detractors.” He spoke during the official launch of the National Cadet Program. The program was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Ngafuan did not only inspire the over 1,000 young cadets, but also highlighted major achievements of the Boakai-led government in “just over two years.” “Liberia is moving forward, not backward,” Ngafuan declared repeatedly during his speech, while responding to critics, who continue to question the government’s performance. He pointed to infrastructure, economic, and social development initiatives the government has undertaken, including ongoing road construction projects, increased electricity access, salary improvements, and the expansion of youth empowerment programs. The government, Ngafuan said, has significantly increased the national budget from US$738 million to US$1.3 billion through improved domestic revenue generation and tighter financial controls. He said, unlike previous years marked by budget shortfalls and recast budgets, the current administration is now discussing supplementary budgets fueled by surplus revenue collection. Mr. Ngafuan also highlighted the country’s growing international standing. He added: The country’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and improved relations with international institutions, such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank.
He argued that the administration’s investments in youth development demonstrate Pres. Boakai’s commitment to create opportunities for young Liberians.
He referenced the National Cadet Program, the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), and the relocation of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Center as examples of strategic programs to empower the younger generation. He acknowledged the country’s failure, which are “serious developmental challenges,” but described national transformation as a gradual process that requires patience and collective effort. “In two years, three months, and 24 days, we may not have reached Gbarnga yet, but we are no longer at Redlight,” he told the audience, drawing applause from the floor. He further compared the country’s current situation to an aircraft navigating turbulence under the leadership of an experienced pilot, Pres. Boakai.
“The Liberian flight to our development destination is being piloted by an experienced captain.”
Ngafuan’s remarks are likely to resonate within the political landscape, where debates over the pace of development and economic recovery continue to dominate national discussions.
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