…Director Kwabo Highlights PMCs as Pillar of National Development
Liberia Mandates Performance Contracts for Government Entities, Prioritizing Accountability and Youth Employment
By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – Mr. Nathaniel Kwabo, Director General of the President’s Cabinet, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, reaffirmed the critical role of Performance Management Contracts (PMCs) across all government ministries, agencies, commissions, and public corporations in Liberia. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing, Mr. Kwabo emphasized that PMCs are not merely administrative instruments but strategic commitments aligned with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national development agenda, particularly his Five-Year Strategic Plan. According to Kwabo, these contracts are now the “engine” driving the administration’s vision for institutional accountability, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
Mr. Kwabo explained that the implementation of Performance Management Contracts signifies a renewed commitment by the government to hold appointed officials accountable for their institutional mandates. The contracts, he said, reflect a binding agreement between each government entity and the President’s Office to deliver measurable outcomes that contribute to the national development goals.
“The PMCs are not optional,” Kwabo asserted. “They are the bedrock of our institutional performance framework, binding on every appointed public official and agency head. These instruments promote accountability, transparency, and public access to information.” He added that so far, thirteen government institutions have already signed their respective performance contracts, with others expected to follow suit. These agreements, he said, require each ministry or agency to outline specific targets, identify key deliverables, and commit to timelines and outcomes.
“Government is not business as usual anymore,” Kwabo declared. “With these contracts in place, we now have measurable tools to assess the performance of public servants. The President will be able to monitor whether institutions are meeting their goals or falling short.”
Director Kwabo made it clear that the PMC framework is not intended to interfere with the day-to-day operations of institutions but rather to ensure alignment with national priorities and enhance inter-agency collaboration. “We are not interfering with how ministries and agencies operate,” he clarified. “We simply want the right things to be done for the benefit of the Liberian people. Each institution must see these contracts as opportunities to raise resources, improve performance, and fulfill their mandate more effectively.” He said the government is determined to use the PMCs as a tool to strengthen institutional integrity and operational effectiveness. “We cannot afford to let any government entity operate in isolation from the broader development agenda. Every sector must function effectively and contribute to our national goals.”
Kwabo also acknowledged the critical role of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in supporting the PMC implementation. He said the MFDP has been directed by President Boakai to ensure that budgetary allocations and disbursements are in sync with the performance contracts. “All government institutions are expected to work in line with the financial and administrative policies set forth in the PMC framework. There must be synergy between policy objectives and budget execution,” Kwabo explained. He continued, “No institution will be left behind. We are establishing a culture where the delivery of services to the Liberian people is driven by clear results and monitored continuously. It’s no longer enough to claim you are working; now, we must prove it.”
Beyond institutional performance, Kwabo turned attention to one of President Boakai’s most passionate commitments: youth employment and empowerment. He disclosed that at every cabinet meeting, the President consistently stresses the importance of creating jobs for young Liberians, both in the public and private sectors. “Youth employment is not just a policy item for President Boakai; it is a personal mission,” Kwabo said. “He constantly raises questions about how we are empowering young people; he wants to see more Liberians, especially the youth, meaningfully engaged in productive work.”
Kwabo stated that President Boakai has mandated all ministries and agencies to incorporate youth employment strategies into their operations and program designs. This includes creating internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people. “In every cabinet meeting, President Boakai demands updates on what each institution is doing to support youth. He wants our youth to be the drivers of economic growth, not just beneficiaries,” Kwabo said.
The Cabinet Director further emphasized the role of the private sector in meeting the employment needs of the country. He said the President is particularly keen on seeing the private sector, including foreign-owned companies operating in Liberia, contribute meaningfully to youth employment. “President Boakai’s message is clear: if the government cannot employ all Liberians, the private sector must rise to the challenge. No company should be in Liberia exploiting our resources without giving back in terms of jobs for our people,” Kwabo said. He revealed that part of the performance monitoring framework would also extend to private sector partnerships, with a focus on corporate social responsibility, skills development, and inclusive employment policies. “The days when companies come here and ignore the labor needs of our people are over,” he warned. “The President is watching closely. Employment is the heartbeat of this government’s social contract with the people.”
One of the critical components of the PMCs, according to Kwabo, is the promotion of transparency through public access to information. He said that under President Boakai’s leadership, the government is committed to keeping citizens informed about institutional performance, project implementation, and service delivery. “We want the public to know what each ministry is doing. Citizens have the right to ask questions, to monitor progress and to hold officials accountable; that is how democracy works,” he said.
Kwabo announced that a new public dashboard will soon be launched to allow Liberians to track the progress of government institutions in real time. The system will be accessible via the internet and will display performance ratings, deliverables, and implementation timelines. “This is a government of openness. We will not hide behind bureaucracy. The people deserve to know how their government is performing,” he said.
Kwabo concluded his statement with a stern message to all appointed officials: “These contracts are not mere formalities; they are commitments to the Liberian people. If you are not willing to perform, you are not fit to serve.” He said that evaluation teams will conduct quarterly assessments of each institution’s performance, and results will be submitted directly to the Office of the President. “We will celebrate high performance and take corrective action where necessary,” he said. Kwabo urged institutions that have not signed their PMCs to do so without delay. “Time is of the essence. This is the era of accountability. The President means business, and the people expect results.”
Initial reactions to the expanded implementation of the PMC policy have been largely positive, with civil society groups, governance experts, and development partners hailing the move as a step toward reform and modernization of Liberia’s public sector. “If properly implemented, these contracts will push institutions to focus on results, not just processes,” said a governance expert. “The challenge now is enforcement and political will.” Youth groups have also welcomed the President’s emphasis on employment. “We are encouraged by President Boakai’s consistency in prioritizing youth empowerment,” a youth advocate stated.
As the Boakai administration presses forward with its national development plan, the PMCs represent a new chapter in Liberia’s quest for good governance. Through strategic planning, enhanced transparency, and an unwavering focus on youth employment, the government seeks to deliver tangible benefits to all citizens.
Comments are closed.