Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan emphasized the need for Liberia to reprogram governmental projects to improve development amid a suspension of USAID funding. The launch of the GREAT Project, supported by the World Bank, aims to address critical challenges and leverage digital solutions to modernize public services and enhance efficiency. A roundtable discussion is planned for April to explore resource reallocation and continued implementation of development agendas.
On March 21, 2025, Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan highlighted the necessity for Liberia to reprogram and redirect certain governmental projects to enhance development, particularly due to the suspension of USAID-funded initiatives. The minister noted the critical need for immediate measures as the country experiences adverse impacts from the recent reduction in USAID aid, emphasizing that these changes are essential to mitigate the resultant challenges.
During the launch of the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, supported by the World Bank, Minister Ngafuan indicated that discussions with partners will soon be initiated to reallocate resources to essential sectors affected by the aid cut. He stressed the urgency for implementing critical measures to alleviate job losses and reduced interventions in vital sectors, reflecting on the hard conversations ongoing within the government.
Ngafuan announced plans for a roundtable in April aimed at addressing emerging challenges and exploring solutions to ensure continuous implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering on this agenda initially launched in January 2025, describing the GREAT Project launch as a significant opportunity for Liberia’s development trajectory.
The GREAT Project will focus on advancing digital public services, boosting tax revenues, enhancing accountability and transparency, and providing capacity building and implementation support. Acting World Bank Country Manager Oyewole Afuye commended the successful launch of the Project, which aims to utilize digital solutions and institutional reforms to modernize public administration and enhance governmental efficiency, ultimately serving the benefits of Liberia’s populace.
The six-year GREAT Project, funded through a $30 million initiative by the International Development Association (IDA), is designed to address systemic challenges in delivering administrative services, improve fiscal outlooks, and ensure accountability in public resource management. Approved on June 12, 2024, the initiative will run until November 30, 2030, benefiting key government institutions such as the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Liberia Revenue Authority, and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, among others.
In summary, Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called for the reprogramming of government projects to boost development in Liberia amidst the suspension of USAID funding. The launch of the GREAT Project represents an important step towards modernizing public administration and improving government efficiency through digital solutions. The government’s commitment, alongside support from partners like the World Bank, aims to address challenges effectively and uphold the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
