The Government of Liberia has endorsed the National Development Plan of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) with a call for the private sector, the diaspora community, international partners and civil society to apply collective effort to ensure the effective implementation of the plan.
Speaking Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the endorsement ceremony at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, President Joseph N. Boakai said that the validation of the AAID and Counties Development Agendas (CDAs) marks the beginning of an ongoing process that will require collective efforts.
President Boakai said the government will work closely with development partners, private sector, civil society citizens in Liberia and in the diaspora, to ensure the effective implementation of the plans. The president also urged all sectors to engage fully and contribute their expertise.
“As we listen to the presentations and endorse these plans today, let us commit ourselves to a culture of mutual accountability. The success of this agenda depends on how we manage our limited resources, and we must ensure that they are judiciously used to effectively and efficiently impact development and improve livelihoods,” he said.
The Liberian leader said the AAID is a call to action to unite in the shared vision for a prosperous and equitable Liberia, adding that collaboration will be vital to revitalizing key sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, digital technology, infrastructure, education and healthcare.
“As we aim to accelerate our economic growth, we must ensure that it results in tangible development that benefits every Liberian,” Boakai said. For his part, Liberia’s Finance Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, said the endorsement of the AAID will be an important step in the government’s collective joining to shape the future of Liberia through the ARREST Agenda and the Fifteen Counties Development Agendas for the period of five years (2025-2029).
Minister Ngafuan said the development of the comprehensive plan and the Counties Development Agendas (CDAs) has been a collaborative cause gathered by data to shape the inside of a wide range of things, including government actors, private sector, civil society, development partners and Liberian citizens.
“As we gather to endorse this plan and accompany the county development agenda, we are assured that the draft plan is in line with the needs and aspirations of the Liberian people,” he said. Minister Ngafuan said the validation process is more of an opportunity for all sectors to engage in meaningful discussions, offer constructive feedback and ensure that the AAID is comprehensive, practicable and responsive to the country’s development needs.
Ngafuan said the AAID is enhanced with five core objectives which include, inclusive growth, sustainable development, influential innovation, social welfare and governance. He estimates the preliminary cost of the National Development Plan for the next five years at US$8.4 billion with the government’s contribution projected at 10%.
By Prince Saah
