Published: August 29, 2024
Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai has nominated Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan as Liberia’s new Finance Minister, marking a return to the cabinet for the seasoned public servant. Ngafuan, who previously served as Liberia’s Minister of Finance during the first term of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, will take over from Boima S. Kamara, who resigned from the position in July.
Ngafuan’s career in Liberia’s government is distinguished by his leadership in two critical ministerial roles. From 2012 to 2015, he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Johnson-Sirleaf, succeeding Toga McIntosh. His appointment to this role followed his tenure as Minister of Finance, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Liberia’s financial policies during the early years of Johnson-Sirleaf’s administration.
In October 2015, Ngafuan resigned from his post as Foreign Minister to contest the 2017 presidential election, a decision that required him to step down in compliance with Liberia’s National Code of Conduct. However, his political journey took several turns in the following years.
After resigning from the Unity Party (UP) in April 2016, Ngafuan joined the Victory for Change Party (VCP) later that year. His entry into the VCP was not without controversy, as rumors swirled that VCP Standard Bearer Marcus Jones had sold the party’s ticket to Ngafuan—a claim both men denied. Further complications arose when questions were raised about Ngafuan’s eligibility to run for office under the VCP’s constitution, although the party’s chairman, Emmanuel Tulay, dismissed these concerns.
By May 2017, Ngafuan had announced that he was no longer pursuing the presidency, citing his reluctance to run against the UP’s candidate, then Vice President Joseph Boakai. He subsequently endorsed Boakai and rejoined the Unity Party in August 2017.
Since his departure from active politics, Ngafuan has served as the country manager for the African Development Bank Group in Uganda, a role that has kept him engaged in African economic and development affairs since February 2021.
Ngafuan’s return to the Finance Ministry is expected to bring a wealth of experience and continuity to President Boakai’s administration as Liberia navigates complex economic challenges. His nomination is seen as a strategic move by the President, aiming to strengthen the financial stewardship of the nation at a critical time.
The Liberian Senate is expected to review and confirm Ngafuan’s nomination in the coming days, setting the stage for his official return to government service.
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