The Government will on today, Wednesday, January 15, 2025 launch the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the 15-Counties Development Agendas (CDAs) in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Speaking Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at a Ministry of Information press briefing, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said the event will be graced by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., who will lead the ceremonial unveiling of the development frameworks (AAID and the CDAs), marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.
He said the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development serves as Liberia’s comprehensive roadmap for national transformation from (2025-2029).
He said it outlines an integrated approach to development that emphasizes the country’s core priorities, focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation & Health, and Tourism for all Liberians, particularly the most marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Furthermore, the ARREST Agenda is the result of an extensive consultative process involving a diverse range of stakeholders from all of the fifteen counties, including Government Ministries, the Private Sector, Academia, Civil Society Organizations, Local Communities, and International Partners.
He said the process began in 2024, with a series of nationwide consultations aimed at identifying the aspirations, needs and challenges of the Liberian people.
“The plan is designed to respond to the specific aspirations of the citizens of Liberia, addressing key development challenges and leveraging the country’s unique resources for transformative growth” he said.
The Finance Minister said this inclusive process reflects Liberia’s commitment to a democratic and transparent development agenda that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
The event is expected to bring together key figures from the Liberian government, including ministers and officials from various sectors, who will discuss the strategic priorities and operationalization of the plan.
Furthermore, local officials from across Liberia as well as representatives from Liberia’s Development Partners will also be in attendance, underscoring the broad-based support for this transformative agenda.
Ngafuan called on Liberians to see the development plan as a national achievement and as a path of progress.
He said the total cost for the National Development Plan is US$ 8.4 Billion.
President Boakai will deliver the keynote address at the launch, emphasizing the critical role of national unity, collaboration, and collective action in the successful implementation of the ARREST Agenda.
By Lucky M. McGee
