President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has directed government institutions implementing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) to move beyond plans, and rhetoric, and deliver measurable results.
Boakai warned that delays, weak performance, and implementation gaps will no longer be tolerated.
He made the caveat on Tuesday, August 11, when he convened the National Steering Committee (NSC), marking the completion of the first year of implementation of the Government ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Boakai chaired the Committee, and supported by the UN Resident Coordinator. It aims to provide a forum for the assessment of progress, address implementation gaps, strengthen coordination, and accountability, as well as mobilize resources amid changing financing conditions.
Among its expected outcomes were the implementation status report, policy guidance on development financing, and cooperation, and a high-level communiqué, which outlined priorities, and commitments for 2026–2027.
Pres. Boakai, addressed the NSC meeting on the implementation of the AAID said, his Administration’s promise to Liberians was to deliver tangible improvements in their lives, including better roads, quality water, healthcare, education and jobs.
He reminded the gathering: “Our promise to the Liberian people was to move beyond plans. I have seen a lot of plans, plenty plans. We have seen, and heard a lot of rhetoric. We want to deliver tangible results by improving livelihoods.”
While acknowledging progress over the past 12 months, Boakai said, the implementation has not been consistent, citing delays, institutional bottlenecks, and gaps in execution.
He stressed the need for government institutions to take corrective action to ensure the national development agenda produces results within the established timeframe.
Pres. Boakai further placed strong emphasis on accountability, and performance, warning that officials, who fail to meet expectations will have to make way for others, who can deliver.
He urged institutions to prioritize competence, and results over personal relationships in making appointments, and implementing government programs.
Boakai: “Education, healthcare, telecommunications, water security, infrastructure, and job creation are critical areas that required sustained investment.”
He stressed the urgency that officials eliminate bottlenecks that impede implementation.
On aspect of the activity reporting, Pres. Boakai said, timely, and accurate information are essential to effective governance, and decision-making.
As a result, he directed all ministries, agencies, and implementing partners of the AAID interventions to submit reports according to agreed standards.
“That is why timely reporting is non-negotiable. It is a non-negotiable obligation for every institution implementing AAID interventions as repeated delays, inconsistencies, incomplete submissions are not going to be acceptable.”
Pres. Boakai further warned against the misuse of public resources, insisting that resources controlled by public corporations, and government institutions must be used for national development, and directed toward priority programs capable of producing the greatest impact.
He meanwhile, called for stronger collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and Liberians in the diaspora, as well as, all stakeholders to align their resources, and efforts with national priorities to maximize impact, and accelerate development.
