Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, delivered a strong call for fiscal responsibility during the opening of a two-day workshop on effective budget execution.
The workshop, which began on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, is aimed at equipping policymakers and technical staff from 108 government ministries and agencies with the skills to align their goals with the Unity Party-led administration’s ARREST Agenda.
The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), seeks to improve understanding of fiscal rules, budget execution procedures, and monitoring and reporting. It also aims to strengthen government entities’ capacity to execute budgets efficiently and responsibly, ensuring public funds are used effectively to meet Liberians’ needs.
Minister Ngafuan stressed the importance of managing resources wisely, urging government officials to plan for the full budget year in his opening remarks. He cautioned against the premature exhaustion of funds, emphasizing that the national budget should last twelve months, not a few months. He also pointed out that success in managing a budget is not determined by its size but by how well it is executed.
“Two ministries may have identical budgets, but their success depends on how each ministry manages its funds. This administration expects better execution this year, especially after last year’s challenges, including budget recasts and delays. With a full year ahead, there should be no excuses for poor performance,” Minister Ngafuan said.
The workshop aims to ensure that the Fiscal Year 2025 National Budget is executed according to plan and to strengthen the capacity of ministries and agencies to deliver accurate financial and performance reports. It also seeks to improve coordination among government entities to ensure efficient and responsible use of public resources.
Tanneh G. Brunson, Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning, emphasized the workshop’s importance in equipping participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to execute their budgets effectively. She highlighted the need for better coordination among ministries to foster accountability and improve public financial management.
The workshop addresses past challenges in budget execution and creates a foundation for a more efficient fiscal year. Minister Ngafuan and Deputy Minister Brunson expressed their commitment to strengthening Liberia’s financial management systems to ensure public funds are directed toward national development priorities. The workshop’s outcomes are expected to drive positive changes in how ministries and agencies manage their budgets, contributing to Liberia’s sustainable growth.
