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Liberia's Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has publicly defended the performance of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration, insisting the country is moving forward despite persistent criticism. Speaking at the launch of the National Cadet Program in Gbarnga, Bong County, Ngafuan told the audience that Liberia is clearly "going forward, not backward," as reported by AllAfrica.

The minister's remarks came as he also led Liberia's delegation to the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in May 2026, where he held high-level talks with AfDB Acting Vice President Dr. Abdul B. Kamara, according to the same source.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of these events comes from two articles published by AllAfrica. The first focuses on Ngafuan's defense of the administration's achievements, highlighting positive developments in education, roads, electricity, and budget growth. The second article covers the AfDB meetings, emphasizing economic cooperation and international partnerships. Both articles originate from the same outlet but present different aspects of the minister's activities: one defensive and patriotic, the other informational and diplomatic.

No conflicting facts were found between the two reports, though the framing differs: the cadet program story uses direct quotes from Ngafuan, including his rebuke of "detractors," while the AfDB piece relies more on indirect summaries of discussions.

Key Claims

  • National Cadet Program: The program was launched to give hope to more than 1,000 young Liberians, according to Ngafuan's speech reported by AllAfrica.
  • School Construction: The government plans to construct or rehabilitate over 100 schools across all 15 counties, as stated by the finance minister.
  • Road Projects: Ongoing projects include paving roads to the South-East (Zwedru, Fish Town, Harper) and rehabilitating the Free Port to St. Paul Bridge route, with future plans for Salayea-Voinjama and Mendikorma-Voinjama highways.
  • Electricity Expansion: More households and businesses are being connected to electricity in Monrovia, RIA Highway, Buchanan, and other cities.
  • Public Sector Reforms: Salary increases and incentives have been implemented for health workers, judges, engineers, and other professionals.
  • Budget Growth: Liberia's national budget has grown from $738 million to $1.3 billion in just over two years, attributed to stronger domestic revenue generation and improved tax administration.
  • AfDB Projects: The AfDB has 17 projects in Liberia valued at $350 million. Disbursement rates rose from 43% to 51%, and flagged projects dropped from 47% to 32%.
  • Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB): This AfDB-sponsored initiative targets financing and business support for approximately 30,000 youth-led enterprises nationwide.
  • Buchanan-Cestos Corridor Road: Paving this road was underscored as a critical missing link in the Coastal Highway, vital for regional connectivity and trade.

Perspectives

Government's View: Minister Ngafuan presents the administration's record as one of tangible progress, citing specific projects and budget expansion as evidence. He dismisses critics as "detractors" who ignore these achievements.

International Partners' View: The AfDB, through Acting Vice President Dr. Abdul B. Kamara, praised Liberia's improved project implementation and delivery, signaling confidence in the government's capacity to manage development funds effectively.

Potential Critics' View: While not directly quoted, the minister's defensive tone suggests ongoing political opposition. Critics might question the pace of development or the sustainability of budget growth, but such claims are not detailed in the available reports.

All facts in this article are attributed to AllAfrica's reporting, as no other sources were available for verification.