The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the United States Agency for International Development, USAID-Liberia, have signed a grant agreement of US$114,488,125.
The grant agreement is part of amendment 14 and 15 to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) number 669-DOAG between both parties.
Speaking Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the signing ceremony in Monrovia, Finance Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan said the grant agreement is as a result of a Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) with the Government of Liberia in May of 2020 with the objective of improving health, education, livelihood, strengthening democratic governance and advancing prosperity.
“Today we have gathered to sign two amendments to this Agreement. These amendments are Amendment 14 and Amendment 15. The cumulative incremental total dollar amount of these amendments is US$114, 488, 125,” Minister Ngafuan said.
He said Amendments 14 and 15 are meant to incrementally fund and revise the total USAID contribution to the Development Objective Grant to amongst other things, accelerate reforms in health, education and provide essential services to Liberians.
Liberia’s Finance Minister disclosed that the agreement provides support for programs in three thematic areas to include, Market-driven, inclusive economic growth supporting increased job creation; Effective and inclusive governance catalyzed through reforms and greater accountability; and foundation for growth strengthened through a healthy, productive, and educated population.
He said the health sector is the largest amongst the sectors with a total of (55) ongoing projects in all of the counties with USAID providing technical and financial support through its health development program for the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s Health Policy and Plan and the National Essential Package of Health Services.
The finance minister said through the agreement, the capacity of community-based institutions, health workers, and volunteers to provide and safe water supply and sanitation to communities and maternal health and child delivery support will also be provided at selected health facilities in the counties.
For his part, United States Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner said the grant agreement reflects the U.S shared commitment to advancing Liberia’s development and strengthening bonds and cooperation between the two nations.
Amb. Toner said that the agreement marks a new step in Liberia’s path to growth and prosperity; adding that it represents more than just financial support, but the U.S commitment and investment in Liberia’s future.
He said the investment is designed to support intervention in health, education, strategic reform and markets driven inclusion economic growth.
“With these funds, USAID will provide training teachers, health commodities, communities that are in need and extend economic opportunity in agriculture amongst other things,” Amb. Toner said.
He said the United States and Liberian Governments are working together to ensure that every dollar given is used for sustainable possible outcomes for the Liberian people.
By Prince Saah
