Liberia’s new Finance Minister, Augustine K. Ngafuan, has called on employees of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to work in the interest of the citizens.
Speaking Monday, September 16, 2024, at the official turnover ceremony at the Ministry Monrovia, the Ngafuan said it is the responsibility of the MFDP through its employees to deliver the ambition of the people of Liberia that goes beyond electoral cycles.
“We are not the most productive; it’s an honor. The consequences of failing could lead to the death of people. Because of our inactions, we become murderers before even thinking that we are murderers. It feels vindicated,” he said.
The Minister called on employees to focus on knowing and doing their jobs, as he would promote a performance culture so that employees would not worship the politicians. According to him, as Finance Minister, he will look at three main qualities- qualification, competence and integrity; therefore, employees must deliberately be robust to grow the budget.
“The Ministry is like the heart of the government. We pump the blood and we must supply it on time. We don’t want paralysis. We must prioritize our priorities,” he told employees.
Minister Ngafuan said since his appointment by President Joseph N. Boakai, the expectations of Liberians have been very high, thanking the Liberian leader for appointing him to a position he once served during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government.
For his part, then Acting Finance Minister Anthony Myers called on Minister Ngafuan to prioritize staff motivation and workspace improvement at the ministry. Minister Myers said the first item that Minister Ngafuan should act on is the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the ministry, which is most important in the input and outcome of good results.
