Liberia News: Hon. Anthony G. Myers Welcomes Back Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan to the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning

By: Daniel Nyakonah, Jr.

Liberia-In a historic turnover ceremony on September 16, 2024, Deputy Minister of Finance & Development Planning for Fiscal Affairs, Hon. Anthony G. Myers officially welcomed Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan back to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). This event marked not only Hon. Ngafuan’s return to the role but also served as a homecoming, reconnecting him with familiar faces and features within the Ministry.

Deputy Minister Myers highlighted the continuity within the MFDP, noting that many staff members, including security and dispatch officers, have remained since Hon. Ngafuan last held office. He emphasized the Ministry’s persistent responsibilities, such as coordinating revenue policies, managing external resources, and overseeing budgetary processes. However, he also candidly acknowledged that the challenges faced by the Ministry—like expanding the economy and ensuring adherence to international aid commitments—remain largely unchanged.

Hon. Ngafuan, who previously served as Minister from 2008 to 2012, steps into a landscape where public sector workers previously struggled with delayed salaries. Hon. Myers reported that significant strides have been made over the past seven months to rectify this issue, with salaries now secured three months in advance. This development aims to restore confidence among government employees and service providers alike.

The Deputy Finance & Development Planning Minister further noted the successful re-establishment of communication channels between fiscal authorities and the financial sector, fostering a collaborative approach to managing ongoing liabilities are all intact. Internally, improvements in the workplace environment have been initiated, including the restoration of essential services and the introduction of allowances for staff.

Looking ahead, Hon. Myers outlined the MFDP’s agenda for 2024 to 2029, underscoring the importance of staff motivation as a prerequisite for effective operations. He urged Minister Ngafuan to prioritize workspace enhancements and to streamline processes to improve the ministry’s responsiveness to stakeholders.

Deputy Minister Myers also highlighted the critical role of governance in enhancing operational efficiency. Hon. Myers urged for an expansion of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) to encompass broader budget and civil service functions, as well as improvements in fiscal decentralization to empower local governments.

The presence of stakeholders from both public and private sectors at the ceremony illustrated the strategic significance of the MFDP. As Hon. Ngafuan resumes his duties, he is met with high expectations and a strong support network from his colleagues, who are prepared to assist him in navigating the complexities of his role.

One of the prepared individuals at the Ministry is Hon. Anthony G. Myers, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Planning for Fiscal Affairs. He is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in Liberia’s financial sector. His career began at the former Bureau of the Budget, and he later served as Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, which has been a rewarding journey for him.

Hon. Myers’ brief tenure as acting Minister of Finance and Development Planning was marked by fond memories, reflecting his brilliance and extensive knowledge across various sectors. Deputy Minister Myers has a deep understanding of his country and a genuine love for Liberia. He successfully presented the Recast Budget, and his clear explanations regarding allegations of budget tampering effectively put those concerns to rest.

Hon. Myers may seem reserved, but he is actually a soft-spoken, adaptable, and results-oriented professional committed to liberal values. The Deputy Minister has successfully initiated the development of the National Development Plan (NDP), the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, County Development Agendas (CDAs), and the Private Sector Investment Plan (PSIP). Data has now been collected nationwide, and compilations are underway with the support of two national think tanks. This hardworking professional is striving for greater recognition in the international financial system, driven by his humble leadership in the sector in Liberia.

The delightful turnover reflects the strong and cordial working relationship subsisting between Hon. Ngafuan and Hon. Myers, which has developed into a deep mutual friendship.

About Author:

Daniel Nyakonah, Jr. – Media/Communication Consultant, Ministry of Finance & Development Planning (MFDP)

Daniel Nyakonah, Jr. is a prominent communication consultant and media professional in Liberia. He has held significant roles, including serving as the Vice President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). His career is marked by notable engagements with influential media outlets in the country, where he has cultivated his skills and expertise. 

Nyakonah is known for his insightful commentary on the radio of in Liberia, emphasizing its importance as a trusted source of information. He has been a vocal advocate for the integrity and accuracy of media, highlighting the impact of radio on social and economic process in Liberia.