Former Bong County District #5 Representative, Edward W. Karfiah, has called for the resignation of Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for introducing a “weak economic strategy.” Karfiah’s criticizing of “Ngafua’s weak economic strategy” was contained in a statement delivered to journalists in Monrovia. He described Ngafuan’s system of leadership as “inadequate escalating economic challenges.” Mr. Karfiah, has a history of legislative service, and an experienced chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts and Expenditure. He said Ngafuan’s at the Ministry approach lacks the urgency and innovation necessary to revitalize country’s faltering economy. Mr. Ngafuan is yet to respond to Karfiah’s criticizing of his Administration. “The economy needs someone, who is willing to take calculated risks; not someone who is afraid to act,” Karfiah added. Tue He underscored the need for bold leadership in “these turbulent times because there’s a need for a shift in economic strategy, particularly toward meaningful investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and the informal economy.” Karfiah said agriculture, in particular, remains an untapped goldmine for the country, capable of generating jobs and income through the cultivation of cocoa, rubber, beans and oranges.
He continued: “If the government commits to targeted support and accessible financing for smallholder farmers, we can create quick jobs and stimulate economic growth.” The Boakai-Koung Administration, now approaching its second year, faces increasing scrutiny from citizens, who feel that the government policies have failed to deliver tangible economic benefits, particularly in rural areas. For that reason, Karfiah said many people feel abandoned by a government that has promised fiscal discipline and growth, yet to translate those promises into visible improvements, noting: “The informal sector, still reeling from the pandemic and recent elections, further exemplifies the urgent need for robust economic policies.” Despite the Ministry’s statements of progress, highlighting revenue growth, and donor support, critics argue that these claims are little more than “empty rhetoric.” The disconnect between government pronouncements, and the living realities of ordinary Liberians raises pressing questions about the effectiveness of current leadership, and the viability of existing economic strategies.
Karfiah’s call for Ngafuan’s resignation not only highlights a critical juncture for Liberia’s financial governance, but also opens the floor for broader discussions about the nature of economic reform.
Political pundits are now concerned about whether the Boakai-Koung Administration will heed these warnings, and pivot toward a more aggressive, and innovative economic agenda, or will it continue its current path of cautious governance, potentially at the cost of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens?