Monrovia – The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has called on all Liberians to foster unity and love in the nation’s quest for development.
He made the call during the visit of a high-powered delegation from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to Liberia.
A Finance Ministry release on Monday, January 20, 2025, stated that the technical working visit by MCC Managing Director for Africa, Jason Small, and MCC Program Officer for Africa, Ilana Shapiro, focuses on staff recruitment, a diagnostic study on the modalities of the compact, and the establishment of a Millennium Challenge Corporation office in Liberia.
During the courtesy visit, Minister Ngafuan emphasized that development must transcend political and social divisions, urging Liberians to unite for the greater good. “We call on our people to unite for development,” he said. “The MCC brings all of us together, no matter your political party or religious connection – that’s why we say Liberia wins.”
Reflecting on the positive impact of the first MCC Compact, the Minister highlighted tangible benefits such as increased access to electricity from the Mount Coffee Hydro Dam and improved water distribution through the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation.
“The electricity and water provided by the Mount Coffee Hydro Dam and the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation benefit everyone who gains access. No one needs to show a political party ID card to benefit,” he stated.
Minister Ngafuan also acknowledged the significant contributions of current and past government officials and technicians in securing Liberia’s partnership with the MCC.
He further stressed the importance of prioritizing the needs of the Liberian people, ensuring that development continues regardless of the political cycle.
“Election years are when politicians win, but the Liberian people need to win every year. We win when people in government, the private sector, and elsewhere deliver on the expectations of their people,” he said. “Our people need roads, more electricity, healthcare, and education – that’s how they win.”
The Minister assured the delegation and the Liberian people that efforts are underway to complete a constraint analysis, which will guide the allocation of MCC funding to critical areas of development.
Minister Ngafuan reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to working closely with the MCC to ensure that Compact II will bring long-term benefits to the nation.
For his part, the head of the delegation, MCC Managing Director for Africa Jason Small, expressed enthusiasm and commitment to advancing preparations for Liberia’s Compact II during his visit to the country.
Small emphasized the importance of the partnership between the MCC and Liberia, noting the shared dedication to improving the lives of the Liberian people.
“I know you and your team are very anxious to get moving on the compact, and that’s why we’re here,” Small remarked, underscoring the MCC’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Liberian government to advance the compact process.
Highlighting the long-term impact of the MCC Compact, Small added, “We will work together to navigate the long road ahead and develop a compact that will transform the lives of the people of Liberia.”
Also speaking earlier, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner voiced strong support for the ongoing preparations for Liberia’s MCC Compact II. He emphasized the importance of the partnership between the U.S. government, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and Liberia.
“This is a real win for Liberia, and we are so pleased that the MCC Delegation can come to network with the Government of Liberia,” the Ambassador said, emphasizing the value of close cooperation between the two nations in advancing Liberia’s development goals.
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