A delegation from Liberia recently held crucial meetings with representatives from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. Department of State, and the Treasury Department. The discussions focused on Liberia’s progress in securing eligibility for a second MCC Compact valued at $500 million.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan highlighted the advancements made by the Boakai Administration, including the establishment of an intra-governmental team dedicated to monitoring the MCC Scorecard. This initiative aims to ensure that Liberia meets all necessary requirements to qualify for the funding.
During the meetings, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He detailed ongoing efforts to combat corruption, including the auditing of ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs), and the formation of an asset recovery team.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of reinstating the U.S.-Liberia Political Dialogue, which serves as a structured framework for strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Minister Ngafuan reiterated Liberia’s dedication to improving citizens’ lives, noting collaboration between the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the General Auditing Commission, and the Ministry of Justice to prosecute those implicated in various corruption cases.
He also highlighted Liberia’s engagement with international partners, mentioning recent achievements such as the IMF’s approval of a $210 million Economic Compact Fund (ECF) program and $60 million in direct budget support from the World Bank. These milestones reflect Liberia’s commitment to achieving essential development targets.
Daniel W. Barnes, Managing Director of the Department of Policy and Evaluation at the MCC, expressed gratitude to the Liberian delegation for their proactive approach and commended their efforts in reducing poverty and combating corruption. He pledged technical support for the intra-governmental committee overseeing the MCC Scorecard.
The delegation included key officials such as Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Finance Minister for Economic Affairs Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Washington D.C. Isaac Yeah, Chief of Staff Edward Smith, and Communication Director Mrs. Patience Senkpeni Kumeh.
