The Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Augustine K. Ngafuan has urged government officials across various sectors of the Liberian Government to exhibit actions that will meet the expectations of the Liberian populace. Speaking at his induction ceremony on September 16, 2024 at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in Monrovia, the Liberian Finance Minister emphasized that the aspirations of ordinary Liberians, from towns and counties far from Monrovia, must be central to national policies. “Whether it’s a person’s dream for their family in 2024 or a broader vision for 2030, the government and particularly the Ministry of Finance must remain dedicated to turning these hopes into reality,” Minister Ngafuan stated. “We are not the smartest or most productive. There are smarter Liberians out there,” Ngafuan humbly acknowledged, urging officials to view their roles as privileges rather than entitlements. “Our people have ambitions that go beyond electoral cycles,” he asserted. Ngafuan outlined a plan to establish a performance management culture within the Ministry of Finance, stressing that people in government should feel lucky to be entrusted with fulfilling those ambitions and building a performance culture to achieve these goals, The Finance Minister disclosed that his focus is on ensuring that civil servants are evaluated based on their qualifications, highlighting the need for reforms across government institutions to promote a merit-based culture where employee performance is objectively evaluated. “We must create a performance management culture where employees do not worry too much about the transition of political actors,” Ngafuan stated, stressing the importance of continuity in government operations. He stressed the importance of growing Liberia’s budget by improving revenue collection and eliminating leakages. With ambitious plans in place for the extractive and agricultural sectors, Ngafuan outlined the government’s focus on addressing infrastructure challenges, especially in transportation, which he identified as one of the major constraints to economic growth. Ngafuan called for collaboration across government agencies to support sectoral ambitions, particularly in agriculture and road development, which he believes are key to unlocking Liberia’s economic potential. “We must connect our country,” Ngafuan emphasized, explaining that better infrastructure would allow citizens to travel and engage more effectively in the nation’s development process. While setting high expectations for the Ministry of Finance, Ngafuan expressed optimism that the combined efforts of government officials, alongside the will of the Liberian people, could lead to a brighter and more prosperous future. “We are honored and privileged to be in this building to fulfill the people’s ambition. That’s why we must take it very seriously,” Ngafuan concluded. The MFDP official stated that Liberia stands at a crucial point in its development journey, as he called on the country’s leaders to guide the nation toward sustainable growth and prosperity. Ngafuan emphasized that the nation’s Hope for the Future depends on the integrity, competence, and commitment of its public servants. Source: LINA