Margibi County — The Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has called on employees of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to uphold the highest values of integrity, accountability, and professional excellence in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities at the Ministry.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that public service,especially within the Ministry of Finance, demands unwavering integrity and transparency.
He acknowledged the public misconceptions that often surround financial management and encouraged staff to remain steadfast in their commitment to honesty and ethical service.
“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.”
Reaffirming the Ministry’s central role as custodian of the nation’s financial resources, Minister Ngafuan reminded staff of the weight of their responsibility.
“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,” he added, drawing laughter and applause.
He further called for stronger internal control systems, improved documentation, and greater use of technology to enhance transparency, prevent misuse of funds, and ensure efficient and timely service delivery.
Minister Ngafuan further called for institutional discipline and collaboration across all levels of the Ministry.
Minister Ngafuan made these remarks during the just ended three days MFDP’s Strategic Plan (2025-2030) Retreat held at the Ambassador Hotel in Unification Town. The Retreat was held under the theme: “Transforming Priorities into Strategies: Pathway to Efficient Service Delivery.”
Speaking further, the Finance Minister said, “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,” he stated. “You are the giants whose shoulders I stand on.”
The Minister praised the quality of discussions during the retreat, describing them as “intellectual, constructive, and deeply patriotic.”” He emphasized that institutional growth and performance depend not on hierarchy but on teamwork and cooperation.
“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 urged employees to use the retreat as a platform to sharpen collective skills, exchange knowledge, and mentor the next generation of leaders within the Ministry. He also reminded staff to work in unity and honor the legacy of those who laid the foundation for the Ministry’s reform, including the late Mr. Melvin Johnson, one of the original architects of the strategic planning initiative.
“Backstop each other—don’t backstab,” he advised. “Let’s make this plan a living document. You’ve shown readiness, and I know the consultants’ job will now be easier.”
In closing, Minister Ngafuan issued a powerful charge to staff:
“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.”
Speaking earlier, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony G. Myers, urged staff to take their roles seriously and live up to the expectations of the Liberian people.
Minister Myers likened the Ministry to the heart of government, explaining that its responsiveness determines the effectiveness of the entire public service.
“The heart pumps blood to every part of the body,” he noted. “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.”
He commended staff for their continued dedication and perseverance throughout the strategic planning process and acknowledged the hard work of the technical and planning teams.
“Today, we gather to reflect on where we are, where we want to go, and how we intend to get there,” Hon. Jones said. “This process began with us through internal reviews, the lessons from the last strategic plan, and the new ideas we’re bringing to the table. But it will extend beyond us to include our partners, development institutions, and the Liberian society at large.”
Hon. Jones emphasized that the new strategic plan must capture both the Ministry’s internal reforms and its broader contribution to Liberia’s national development goals.
Hon. Sarah McGill Mulbah, Acting Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning, commended the retreat for fostering teamwork and collaboration among departments.
“This strategic retreat has given us a chance to know one another beyond titles and office spaces,” she said. “For once, we’re not just working in silos. We’re sharing ideas and building coordination.”
She underscored that the Ministry’s strategic plan must deliver measurable outcomes that directly benefit the Liberian people.
The MFDP’s strategic retreat brought together the leadership of the Ministry to focus on its long-term strategy, vision, and goals, as well as strategic priority objectives. It marks a critical step in repositioning the Ministry to more effectively lead the implementation of the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda over the next five years (2025-2029).
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