Monrovia, Liberia — In a significant move aimed at enhancing employee welfare, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) officially commissioned five new buses for staff transportation on Monday morning. The ceremony took place in the presence of Honorable Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, along with members of the Senior Management Team and numerous ministry staff.
This initiative marks the restoration of essential transportation services for MFDP employees after a seven-year interruption. During the commissioning, Minister Ngafuan highlighted the importance of proactive leadership and resilience, inspiring attendees with his statement, “We are not lamenting the darkness, but lighting the candles.” He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing challenges directly and sought practical solutions to enhance service delivery.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that while improving working conditions for public employees is a governmental priority, civil servants must remain committed to their duties. “Real progress doesn’t come from grand gestures,” he asserted. “It comes from doing the job you’re entrusted with—and doing it well.”
The keys to the newly commissioned vehicles—a combination of three 32-seater buses and two 18-seater buses—were handed over by Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones. He noted that this development is more than a symbolic gesture; it reflects the Senior Management Team’s commitment to addressing employee needs and boosting productivity.
“When we assumed office on February 7, 2024, staff communicated the challenges we had to tackle,” Deputy Minister Jones explained. “We made a commitment—and we’re delivering on that promise.” He commended Minister Ngafuan and the entire management team for prioritizing staff welfare and emphasized that the introduction of these buses would alleviate financial pressures on employees, ultimately increasing their take-home pay.
Staff members also shared their gratitude during the ceremony. Employees such as Anna Duo, Patricia Scott, Tina Telewoda, and Patrick Togbah characterized the initiative as a “big relief” after years of reliance on costly transportation options.
“Every month, I used to spend 15,000 LRD on transportation to and from Brewerville,” one staff member revealed. “Now, I can save that money and put it to better use.”
The introduction of these new buses not only enhances staff mobility but also stands as a testament to the MFDP’s ongoing commitment to improving the working conditions of its employees.
