Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has urged a practical Approach to finalizing Liberia’s National Development Plan and 2025 Budget, as the government races to meet its November deadline for the ARREST Agenda. The agenda, focused on key sectors such as Agriculture, Road, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, is set to replace the Pro-Poor Agenda from former President George Weah’s administration. Ngafuan stressed that bureaucratic procedures should not be allowed to slow down progress, calling for a streamlined process that balances flexibility with action. He noted that aligning the National Development Plan with the County Development Agenda (CDA) and the upcoming budget is crucial to prevent inefficiencies and the waste of limited resources. The Finance Minister also emphasized the importance of merging national priorities with county-level demands, urging counties to focus on projects that align with broader economic goals. He warned that an overemphasis on procedural perfection could derail the progress needed to move Liberia forward under the new administration of President Joseph Boakai. He, meanwhile, revealed that consultations are set to continue with sectoral ministries and other government stakeholders to ensure local needs are reflected in the national agenda. With the deadline fast- approaching, Ngafuan maintained that progress will not be hindered by delays, pushing for an efficient and unified strategy under the ARREST Agenda. Sorce: Lib Latest News231
