Monrovia – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has urged religious leaders and worshippers across Liberia to pray for the continuation of suspended USAID-funded projects, warning that the country could lose approximately US$51 million in development assistance.
Addressing the Liberian Senate on Monday, February 24, 2025, Ngafuan expressed concern over the suspension of key programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He called on faith-based communities to seek divine intervention to prevent further disruptions. “We call on religious leaders at various worship areas to pray that all USAID projects do not cancel,” Ngafuan said, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard ongoing development efforts.
The finance minister highlighted the severe impact the aid freeze could have on Liberia’s economic and social welfare. He warned that losing over US$50 million in funding threatens vital programs in health, education, and infrastructure, all of which rely heavily on USAID’s financial support.
Ngafuan’s plea comes after the U.S. government suspended seven major projects, including the Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) initiative. This program is a cornerstone of Liberia’s tax reform strategy, designed to transition the country from a goods and services tax (GST) to a value-added tax (VAT) system. The suspension of LEAD jeopardizes these reforms and poses a risk to future domestic revenue collection efforts.
In an earlier interview with Voice of America’s James Butty on February 19, 2025, Ngafuan detailed the consequences of the funding freeze, describing how it disrupts Liberia’s progress in modernizing its tax system. He noted that the suspension directly affects the Electronic Tax Administration System (ETAS), which had been improving tax collection and compliance across the country. Without USAID’s support, these advancements may stall, weakening the government’s ability to raise domestic revenue.
USAID has been a critical partner in Liberia’s development, providing substantial financial assistance across multiple sectors. Between 2022 and 2029, the agency committed more than US$443 million to support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and governance. Programs funded by USAID include essential services such as hospital operations, school feeding programs, and electoral transparency measures. The suspension of these projects is expected to have profound implications for vulnerable populations.
The aid freeze also threatens the operations of both local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that rely on USAID funds. Many NGOs have already begun scaling back their services, limiting access to essential healthcare and education for thousands of Liberians. The education sector, in particular, faces uncertainty, as USAID’s financial support had been instrumental in expanding rural school access and improving educational quality.
The healthcare system is also at risk, with concerns rising over the potential disruption of medical supply chains and infrastructure projects. Without USAID’s involvement, crucial health services could face significant delays, affecting the delivery of care to underserved communities.
Ngafuan’s appeal for prayer reflects growing unease within the Boakai administration about the long-term consequences of the aid suspension. His call comes amid broader concerns over shifting U.S. foreign aid priorities and political disagreements in Washington that have affected international development programs.
As the fate of USAID’s projects remains uncertain, Ngafuan stressed the importance of collective action through prayer, hoping to rally national support to preserve Liberia’s development gains.
