By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia — Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has forcefully dismissed criticisms of the government’s performance, asserting that Liberia is making significant progress rather than regressing.
Speaking during a radio interview on the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), Minister Ngafuan highlighted a series of economic and infrastructure improvements he believes have transformed living conditions across the country.
“Although some would want us to believe that we are retrogressing, contrary to their narrative, we are progressing,” Minister Ngafuan declared. “There are a lot of indicators.”
The minister pointed to substantial upgrades in road networks, particularly to the southeastern region and Lofa County, which have drastically reduced travel times and boosted economic activity. He noted that journeys that once took days, like traveling from Fish Town to Monrovia, can now be completed in a single day. “Even lawmakers have acknowledged the transformation,” he said.
Ngafuan stressed that poor roads had long suppressed economic growth by restricting access to markets in high-production areas. He added that the improved infrastructure is visible, citing that NTA buses can now reach Voinjama and Harper even during the rainy season.
The minister also highlighted improved macroeconomic stability, reporting that inflation has dropped to just over 7 percent.
On electricity, Ngafuan said Liberia has made strides in expanding the power supply, a development he credits with lowering business costs and extending commercial hours. “Electricity supply is largely stable. Businesses are no longer spending excessively to keep the lights on,” he explained.
He revealed that Liberia is one of only 12 countries selected by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to develop an energy compact aimed at raising electricity access from 33 percent to 75 percent. “If that isn’t progress, let them tell you what is progress,” he challenged critics.
Ngafuan also cited other key improvements, including the resumption of night operations at the Freeport of Monrovia, stable prices for essential goods like petroleum and rice, better water supplies, and extended business hours due to street lighting.
The minister also praised the government’s payroll management, emphasizing that civil servants are now paid regularly. “We’ve normalized salary payments to the point that when it delays beyond the 25th, people start to complain,” he said.
While acknowledging that Liberia still faces challenges, Ngafuan maintained that the government is laying a solid foundation for the future. “Liberia will not be like heaven, but we will play our part as leaders,” the finance minister concluded.