Published: March 18, 2026
Monrovia, Liberia —In a ceremony that symbolized both progress and continuity, the outgoing Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) officially handed over responsibilities after a two-year tenure defined by bold reforms, strengthened staff welfare, and modernization of institutional systems. His departure marks the culmination of a strategic drive to transform Liberia’s fiscal administration while laying a foundation for sustained excellence in public service.
By: Nukanah Kollie/ [email protected]
The transition follows his official appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., with confirmation by the Liberian Senate, to a new role as Deputy Minister of State for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, based at the Executive Mansion.
A Reform Agenda Rooted in Institutional Strengthening
Reflecting on the journey, the outgoing Deputy Minister noted that when the administration assumed office on February 7, 2024, the Ministry faced a range of operational and structural challenges. These included inefficiencies in personnel management, procurement tracking, records management, and digital service delivery systems.
Staff welfare concerns were also prominent, including limited access to healthcare services, transportation difficulties, and gaps in employee benefits. Additionally, infrastructure constraints such as inadequate office space, aging electrical systems, and outdated facilities hindered productivity.
Addressing these challenges became central to the administration’s mandate, with a strong emphasis on improving internal systems, enhancing staff welfare, and modernizing administrative processes.
Key Achievements Over Two Years
The outgoing Deputy Minister highlighted several major accomplishments achieved through what he described as “deliberate, strategic, and reform-driven leadership.”
The administration revitalized staff welfare programs through the reactivation of the MFDP Group Life and Medical Insurance Scheme and the reopening of the MFDP Site Clinic, significantly improving employee wellbeing. Eight staff buses were procured to enhance mobility and productivity. More than 986 employees received training in areas including customer service, financial management, public budgeting, econometrics, safe driving, and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), both locally and internationally, through partnerships with institutions such as the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) and the Red Cross. The launch of the MFDP Young Professional Internship Program resulted in the placement of 277 young Liberians across public institutions, contributing to national workforce development.
Strategic Planning and Policy Reforms
A cornerstone of the administration’s work was the development and launch of the MFDP’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, themed “Transforming Priorities into Strategies: The Pathway to Efficient Service Delivery.” The plan aims to strengthen fiscal discipline, modernize public financial systems, improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and promote institutional excellence.
In addition, efforts were made to review and revise the MFDP Act and streamline internal business processes. Once approved, these reforms are expected to reduce processing time and foster a more customer-centric institutional culture.
Policy Framework and Institutional Governance
The administration also made significant strides in strengthening the Ministry’s policy environment. Approved policies included the revised MFDP Employee Handbook, the revised Petty Cash Policy, the revised Honorarium Policy, and the Stakeholders Engagement Policy. Several key draft policies remain under review, including the Draft Fleet Management Policy, Draft ICT Governance Board Policy, and Draft ICT Security Policy. These reforms are intended to enhance compliance, accountability, and efficiency in the Ministry’s daily operations.
Leadership, Teamwork, and Continuity
In his remarks, the outgoing Deputy Minister emphasized that the progress achieved was a collective effort, acknowledging the support of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, and the broader senior management team.
Special recognition was given to Assistant Finance Minister for Administration, Paul Tamba Lamin, described as a dependable and innovative colleague whose contributions were instrumental to the administration’s success. In a move aimed at ensuring continuity, the outgoing Deputy Minister formally recommended Lamin for consideration as his successor, citing his competence, dedication, and institutional knowledge.
Looking Ahead
As he transitions to his new role at the Executive Mansion, the outgoing Deputy Minister expressed confidence in the foundation laid over the past two years, emphasizing that leadership is temporary but institutions must endure.
“I do not say goodbye; I say onward,” he stated, underscoring a commitment to continued national service.
He concluded by reaffirming that the reforms undertaken were not personal achievements but part of a broader obligation to strengthen Liberia’s fiscal governance and public service delivery.
“God bless you all; and God bless Mama Liberia.”
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