Monrovia –The Minister of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has hailed the World Bank for leading the drive towards Liberia’s development process in different sectors.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking at occasion marking the portfolio review by the Government of Liberia (GoL) on Tuesday, May 12 in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan described the World Bank as “an all-weather friend,” praising the institution for standing firmly with Liberia during difficult economic moments and continuing to drive key development initiatives across the country.
The minister pointed out that the World Bank’s support went beyond financial assistance, emphasizing the institution’s “commitment and solidity of partnership” during periods of turbulence.
“You get fair-weather friends and all-weather friends. But you get to know the all-weather friends when you are facing your worst situation. Last year, we had some dark moments, but the World Bank did not backpedal. Instead, it moved forward with us, giving support and helping us deal with the turbulence we faced,” recalled the MFDP boss.
He noted that the partnership has produced tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public sector development, while also helping the government expand its fiscal capacity.
Among the achievements highlighted was the ongoing improvement in road connectivity, including projects linking southeastern Liberia and the rehabilitation of major highways.
Minister Ngafuan recalled past difficulties traveling to Tappita, saying journeys that once took days under poor road conditions can now be completed more smoothly.
“The fact that people can now move from Monrovia and travel smoothly to places like Tappita is progress,” he declared, while also pointing to the planned road to Zwedru and the coastal highway corridor as signs of continued transformation.
The government also credited the World Bank for supporting education initiatives that will soon see the construction or rehabilitation of more than 100 schools nationwide for foundational learning.
According to him, the schools will be modern and well-equipped, reflecting what he called “real progress” in Liberia’s education sector.
Beyond infrastructure and education, the Minister said Liberia’s national budget has significantly expanded under the current administration, growing from roughly US$700 million to about US$1.3 billion in just over two years.
He argued that the increase has enabled greater investments in agriculture, roads, hospitals, school feeding programs, and public sector employment.
“When one of our partners pulled out of the school feeding program, people thought the sky would collapse, but the government stepped up, and more than 240,000 children across the country continued receiving meals.”
At the same time, he pointed to increased spending on healthcare, including plans to place more volunteer health workers and teachers on government payrolls to strengthen public service delivery nationwide.
Despite the progress, the MFDP acknowledged mounting public expectations, noting that each gain increases pressure on the government to deliver even more.
“The more we do, the more we are expected to do. We are not where we want to be yet, but we are not where we used to be.”
He argued that Liberia’s growing credibility with international partners has strengthened support for the country’s development agenda, even as the government recorded what he described as historic domestic revenue mobilization during periods when some external support was delayed.
Minister Ngafuan announced that government, alongside the World Bank and other partners, plans to introduce performance-based recognition for project implementation teams and ministry focal persons to encourage efficiency and accountability.
“We will distinguish performance from laziness,” he said, adding that high-performing project managers and ministry officials will be rewarded for successful delivery of development programs.
Among other things, he reiterated that Liberia’s development momentum depends on continued collaboration between the government and its international partners, especially institutions like the World Bank, which he said have remained dependable allies in the country’s journey toward stability and growth.
“The World Bank is not just a friend to the government; it is a friend to the Liberian people.”
In a very brief remark, Madam Georgia Wallen, the World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, reaffirmed the Bank’s continuing support to Liberia’s development trajectory.
