Africa-Press – Liberia. Ngafuan, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs himself, acknowledged that while progress has been made, more needs to be done.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan has called for urgent and unified action across government institutions to fast-track Liberia’s development efforts, stressing that President Joseph Boakai is “impatient with delays” and determined to see immediate improvements in public service delivery and civil servant welfare.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 10 at the induction ceremony of the newly elected leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Workers Association (MOFAWA), Minister Ngafuan made it clear that the Boakai administration is moving away from “business-as-usual” governance and is focused on delivering measurable results.
“This year alone, the government made salary top-ups for more than 28,000 civil servants in critical sectors like health, education, police, and the judiciary,” Ngafuan said. “This is not a small feat. It is a clear demonstration of President Boakai’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of those who keep the wheels of government running.”
Ngafuan, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs himself, acknowledged that while progress has been made, more needs to be done. He said since President Boakai took office in January, conditions in many public institutions have improved—an outcome he credited to the administration’s people-centered vision.
“The President is impatient with delays,” Ngafuan stated. “He wants to see roads built, power extended, water provided, and schools functioning. And he wants it now.”
He noted that the administration’s development push is guided by the ARREST Agenda, a national framework focused on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. Ngafuan explained that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning is actively working to ensure that public spending aligns with national priorities, emphasizing tighter fiscal controls and more efficient resource mobilization.
Speaking to employees of the Foreign Ministry, Ngafuan urged civil servants across all agencies to embrace their role in the national development process. “Politicians win during election year,” he said. “But the people—you—must win every other year. That means making sure our work delivers results.” He described civil servants as the “heartbeat of government” and called on them to remain focused, professional, and committed to public service delivery.
He also encouraged the newly inducted MOFAWA leadership, led by Samuel Saah Borbor, Sr., to act as “double ambassadors”—individuals who can effectively communicate staff concerns to management while also projecting a positive image of the ministry externally.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti echoed Ngafuan’s sentiments, commending ministry staff for their role in helping Liberia win a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. She noted that the diplomatic success was the result of collective effort. “It’s not about who traveled or sat at the table,” Nyanti said. “From the driver to the minister, everyone played a role.”
Nyanti also used the occasion to challenge the MOFAWA leadership to remain focused on meaningful engagement. “Did you vote for leaders to cause noise and scream, or did you vote for leaders who will articulate real issues facing staff and help management make things better?” she asked.
Describing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the “First Ministry” due to its role in international engagement, Nyanti urged the Ministry of Finance to continue supporting its operations. “We need to ensure that the First Ministry always looks like a First Ministry,” she added.
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