Ngafuan Counters Critics: ‘We’re Progressing, Not Retrogressing’

Monrovia, Liberia - Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has strongly defended the current government's performance, contrasting recent economic and infrastructure gains with conditions under the previous administration.

"Although some would want us to believe that we are retrogressing, contrary to their narrative, we are progressing," Minister Ngafuan said confidently. "There are a lot of indicators."
In a major radio appearance on Monday in Monrovia, Hon. Ngafuan pointed to major infrastructure improvements that have reduced travel time to Liberia’s hard-to-reach regions.
"Travel to the southeastern region, and Lofa County has dramatically improved. People are now leaving Fish Town for meetings in Monrovia the same day. Previously, such trips would take days," he said, noting that even senators have testified to the transformation.

Ngafuan emphasized that bad roads had long hindered economic growth by limiting market access for high-producing areas.
The minister also cited encouraging macroeconomic indicators, highlighting a drop in inflation and improved service delivery.

"Inflation has dropped to just over 7%. NTA buses are now reaching Voinjama and Harper even at the height of the rainy season," he noted.

Ngafuan highlighted the progress in electricity access and its ripple effects on commerce.
"Electricity supply is largely stable. Businesses are no longer spending excessive amounts to keep the lights on.

That directly affects business profitability. You see us emphasizing power expansion because it matters," he said.
He further revealed that Liberia is one of only 12 countries selected by the World Bank and African Development Bank to develop an energy compact aimed at increasing electricity access from 33% to 75%.
"If that isn’t progress, let them tell you what is progress," Ngafuan challenged.

According to the minister, night operations have resumed at the Freeport of Monrovia another sign of increased economic activity.
"People are selling longer hours now because of electricity on the streets. Water supplies have improved.
There are no longer queues at petroleum stations. The price of petroleum is stable, and so is the price of rice," he said. "Mothers no longer have to scramble at rice warehouses.
That is big progress."

Minister Ngafuan also praised the government’s consistency in salary payments.
"Civil servants are largely being paid on time. We’ve normalized salary payments to the point that when it delays beyond the 25th, people start to complain," he said. "The citizens are holding us to the standard of excellence we’ve introduced as a government."