UNIFICATION TOWN, MARGIBI — The Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has urged staff to uphold integrity, accountability, and professional excellence in the conduct of their duties, emphasizing that public service in the Ministry demands unwavering honesty and transparency.
Speaking at the recently concluded three-day MFDP Strategic Plan Retreat (2025–2030) held at the Ambassador Hotel in Unification Town, Minister Ngafuan highlighted the Ministry’s central role as custodian of Liberia’s financial resources.
“Some of you who work diligently will still be called thieves. It’s one of the occupational hazards of working in this Ministry,” he said. “But don’t let that shake your resolve. Just don’t be a thief.”
Drawing laughter and applause, he added:
“We are the custodians of the nation’s resources—the ones who take care of the country’s bananas. Because of that, we cannot be monkeys.”
The Minister stressed the need for stronger internal control systems, improved documentation, and greater use of technology to enhance transparency, prevent misuse of funds, and ensure efficient service delivery. He also called for institutional discipline and collaboration across all levels of the Ministry.
Held under the theme, “Transforming Priorities into Strategies: Pathway to Efficient Service Delivery,” the retreat provided a platform for staff to sharpen skills, exchange knowledge, and mentor the next generation of Ministry leaders.
“I wasn’t here physically during the morning hours of today’s session, but I followed it virtually—watching with pride as you proved that this Ministry is strong, not dependent on an individual,” Minister Ngafuan said. “You are the giants whose shoulders I stand on.”
The Finance Minister praised the retreat discussions as “intellectual, constructive, and deeply patriotic,” underscoring that institutional growth relies not on hierarchy but on teamwork.
“Sometimes we focus on those above or below us and forget about those beside us—the horizontal relationships,” he said. “It’s those around you who often help you move forward.”
Minister Ngafuan also paid tribute to pioneers of the Ministry’s reform initiatives, including the late Melvin Johnson, and encouraged staff to work in unity and safeguard the Ministry’s legacy.
“Backstop each other—don’t backstab,” he advised. “Let’s make this plan a living document… Let’s stay faithful to the big goals—improving roads, energy, and economic management. Let’s continue to think big and act with integrity. Liberia depends on us.”
Earlier, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony G. Myers likened the Ministry to the “heart of government,” explaining that its efficiency determines the performance of the entire public service.
“The heart pumps blood to every part of the body. If the heart slows down, the brain slows down, and the entire system suffers. That’s the same way the Ministry of Finance operates. If we delay, the whole government slows down.”
Deputy Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones described the retreat as “a moment for reflection and recalibration,” highlighting the importance of integrating lessons from the previous strategic plan and engaging development partners.
“Today, we gather to reflect on where we are, where we want to go, and how we intend to get there,” Hon. Jones said.
Acting Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning Sarah McGill Mulbah commended the retreat for fostering teamwork and breaking down departmental silos.
“This strategic retreat has given us a chance to know one another beyond titles and office spaces… We’re sharing ideas and building coordination,” she said, stressing that the new strategic plan must deliver measurable outcomes benefiting the Liberian people.
The MFDP retreat brought together leadership and staff to focus on long-term strategies, vision, and goals, marking a critical step in positioning the Ministry to lead the implementation of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda over the next five years (2025–2029).
