Cover Story

Question: who knew your past situation reminds Liberia has progressively become a Mr. Minister, Liberia has made con- you that you have made significant prog- very open society. That openness is sub- siderable progress since the end of its civil ress. On the whole, it is not just peace we stantiated by the sheer number of news- war in 2003. Aware that we recently cel- celebrate; we celebrate progress on many papers, mainstream and community ra- ebrated ten years of peace, what do you fronts – the consolidation of the culture dio stations, phone-in radio discussions think about the progress so far? of democracy being most prominent. where people from all walks of life can That within this 10-year period, we have call and vent their spleens on critical na- Answer: had two successive democratic elections, tional issues. When one compares what Evidently, Liberia has made signifi- and we have an independent Legislature we have today with what existed in the cant progress. I underline the word Libe- whose members originate from diverse ’70s, there is certainly much to celebrate. ria because the Government, the people, political parties, including a significant Back then, you had virtually one inde- and our partners have all contributed to number of independent candidates, pendent radio station, ELWA, the New this progress. means a lot for our country. We also have Liberia Newspaper and probably a few Collectively, we have made prog- three independent branches of Govern- others. Many independent newspapers, ress. The fact that we have celebrated ment that complement and countervail including the Daily Observer and oth- 10 consecutive years of peace, and the each other regularly. There is no auto- ers that some of you are veterans of, came Liberian child that was born within this maticity between presidential proposals on the stage in the ’80s. You know all too 10-year period doesn’t have the experi- and legislative approval or concurrence. well how the space was suffocated in the ence of war, is significant. War is a very It tells you the extent to which Liberia’s ’80s and ’90s, but we now have an envi- distant concept now. Sometimes when democracy has come, and also the degree ronment that is conducive for freedom you achieve something significant, you of openness that exists. We also have an of speech and of the press; we have the forget its significance, until somebody independent judiciary. Freedom of Information Law; an Ex-

6 | IMAGES Magazine April - May 2014 Cover Story

Liberia On The Right Trajectory For Peace And Prosperity -Foreign Minister Ngafuan Speaks

A Transcript of Sando Moore’s In- terview with H.E. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Foreign Af- fairs of the Republic of Liberia

ecutive Order to protect whistleblowers; worthy of celebration in our recent his- dall Campus of the University of Libe- and Liberia is a signatory to the Table tory. ria makes some of us former students of Mountain Declaration, among others. On the infrastructural front, any- the University want to reverse the hands We have instituted so much to protect one can remember how roads in Mon- of the clock and become students once this democracy, which gives cause for cel- rovia were infested with potholes. For again just to have the chance to learn in ebration. example, beginning from the Ministry such facilities. Sando, one more thing: I Also, we have come a long way in of Foreign Affairs, near the Main Cam- spent a decade pursuing a Bachelor’s de- transforming and positioning this coun- pus of the University of Liberia to 12th gree at the University of Liberia not be- try on the path of economic growth and Street, we know how long it took to drive cause I ever failed a course, but the many development. Imagine a country that was to very short destinations across this city episodes of war and lack of government broken. I can remember when I came and other parts of the country. In fact, support was such that if we had one se- to Government, then as the Budget Di- the situation was so bad that some peo- mester a year, we were very lucky. Today, rector, the country’s budget was around ple jokingly said that our many pothole- because of peace and an almost certain US$80 million for a country with a debt infested roads were one of the main cul- stream of Government support, we have burden of nearly US$5 billion at the prits in the miscarriages of women. Now, been witnessing two Commencements time. All the economic indicators were see the smoothness of that road. You can every year at the UL. Primacy is also be- very negative, sadly negative. Everything drive from here (Monrovia) to Buchanan ing placed on the health and well-being was going south. To transform that real- in so short a time. Still in the realm of in- of the Liberian people. The Jackson F. ity was a herculean task. And to have the frastructure, it is important to point out Doe Memorial Hospital in Tappita, and almost US$5 billion debt cancelled, pro- that more than 220 schools have been the Telewoyan Hospital in Voinjama, viding us the space to take up new loans built across the country since 2006. The among other healthcare delivery centers for development, is also an achievement state- of-the-art newly constructed Fen- across the country, have been refurbished

IMAGES Magazine | April - May 2014 | 7 Cover Story and are very active. of Foreign Affairs. What have been the me the opportunity and wanted me not Immediately following the end of the challenges? to make them shame as you did not make conflict, most of the people were clus- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf shame. That is, I tered in displaced camps, depending on Answer: stood in the shadow of your performance relief food. They have returned to their I have faced many challenges – per- and integrity to land an opportunity, and farms and are doing a whole lot. It is vital sonal, professional, etc. Particularly your citation inspired confidence in my to note that the World Food Programme in the realm of government, one chal- ability to deliver.” (WFP) is now buying food from Libe- lenge I have faced has been the doubt Coming back to the issue of challeng- rian farmers. and cynicism that have attended my ap- es, being at the helm of decision making Also, the image of our country has pointments. In retrospect, when I was of an economy where the resource enve- been restored internationally. From be- appointed Budget Director, I was just lope is far outstripped by the legitimate ing regarded as a pariah state – a country age 35 knocking on 36, which made me expenditure demands of spending enti- that was deemed more than a decade ago the youngest in the Cabinet of President ties and the Liberian people, is one chal- as one of the 10 worst places to live and Sirleaf. The average age of members of lenge that is difficult and agonizing. I re- do business on earth – today our country the Cabinet at the time was 50, and to member when we were crafting our first is regarded as a respectable partner in the have been given the opportunity to man- budget in 2006; the estimated revenue comity of nations; our President is a No- age the complex instrument called the projection was a little above US$100 bel Laureate, and she hobnobs with the budget, many thought that I was not million, whilst requests from the min- movers and shakers of the world; the Li- experienced for the job. Some wondered istries and agencies were above US$500 berian flag is fluttering high and proudly whether a young man like me could do million. How do we rationally and ob- at the United Nations, at the African it. Many people did not want to consider jectively trim the legitimate ambitions Union, at ECOWAS, and everywhere the professional preparations that I had of spending entities to size, whilst ensur- across the globe. Today, unlike sometime undergone. They were merely zeroing in ing that strategic national objectives are during our difficult past, to show the -Li on my age. But, thanks to Madam Sirleaf, met? I remember I famously called this berian passport brings you pride and not she does not look at age but substance; challenge “prioritizing the priorities.” suspicion and shame. and for me, being doubted at each of I could go on delineating successes, these positions has been one of the rea- as progress can be cited in many other sons why I have achieved whatever suc- areas. The problem now is, when people cess people cite today. I also saw myself are used to success, they want more suc- as an ambassador for the young people. cess. It is what I call “the paradox of ex- At the time many young people were not cellence.” When an instructor get used in the Cabinet, and I felt that my perfor- to your scoring A’s, sometimes he or she mance would open doors for others to does not take kindly to your scoring B come in. I did not want anyone to cite or C, even when most other members of my under-performance as the reason why the class are scoring F’s and D’s. The Li- they could not give any young person an berian people are the instructors and the opportunity. government is the student. The progress I can tell you that one of my proudest that has been achieved thus far has only moments came when I was walking down whetted and increased our people’s ap- Broad Street one Saturday afternoon, petite for more progress. So there should and a young fellow from the banking sec- be no gainsaying that significant progress tor came to tell me thank you. I said, “For has been made. What is happening is what?” And he said, “You don’t know, that the pace of progress at present is not you really don’t know what you have as fast and huge as the ever-rising expec- done for me. You have not given me any- tations of the populace. In summary, we thing, but you have given me a chance.” can say we have made much progress, but I said, “How come? You are in the bank- we still have much more to do. ing sector and we have not met for quite a long time.” He said, “Look, let me tell Question: you something, because you are a young Mr. Minister, you were a noted stu- man in government whose success is well dent activist and leader, and, interest- known, even by my bosses. My bosses ingly, a moderate who, over the years, has used the fact of your success as a young worked in a number of crucial national man to boost their confidence to give me How do you tell your colleagues and positions such as Director of Budget, a highly coveted and prestigious post in other stakeholders that, yes, I agree that Minister of Finance and now Minister our bank. They told me they were giving your plan is proper and in the best inter-

8 | IMAGES Magazine April - May 2014 Cover Story est of the country, but, unfortunately, at Presidential and General Elections? up of new institutions, and I anticipate this point in time, our resources cannot many new political flavors as well. There accommodate your plans. I knew that Answer: will be new features, new forces, and new people were not going to be happy, but I think the elections of 2005 and alignments and realignments. One thing the magic of success is not only being 2011 should be considered as transitional we can be sure of is that 2017 will be very honest and fair as you make these tough elections. The real test of the vibrancy of competitive and exciting. That’s how I decisions, you must also be perceived as our democracy comes in 2017. One the see 2017. honest and fair by all the stakeholders. one hand, Madam Sirleaf ’s role has been With regard to the Ministry of For- to transition the country. On the other Question: eign Affairs, which is not a donor dar- hand, whether the country remains on There will be a leadership vacuum af- ling like ministries in the social sector, the democratic path or not will be deter- ter the tenure of President Ellen Johnson our critical challenge has been the inad- mined by how we behave in 2017. And Sirleaf. Are you considering any possibil- equacy of resources to robustly imple- let me say this: The sharp boundaries that ity to contest for President? ment our goal of development diplo- divided political parties and political ac- macy. Resource constraints, however, tors in 2005 and 2011 will get somewhat Answer: have not stopped us from delivering on blurred as like-minded, positive forces Well, the question of my ambition for targets, though they have affected the coalesce across political, ethnic, geo- 2017 has continued to dog me lately. But desired pace of delivery. Something that graphic, and other lines to ensure that as I told your colleagues who have asked has caused me serious psychological an- the country makes progress. I see align- me this question before, I want us to shift guish has been when I had to part ways ments and realignments. People will co- the debate from the personal ambitions with people I considered as true friends alesce more around certain concerns or of individuals to the collective ambitions because of a serious clash in values – es- issues, and political frameworks faithful of Liberians. In short, what ambitions, pecially values that border on honesty to the advancement of such interests will for instance, does the young woman in and integrity. then emerge. Each of the political parties, Tappita, Nimba County, the old lady in in their individuality, has their strengths Zleh Town, Grand Gedeh County, the yanna boy on Randall Street, and the generality of Liberians in and out of the country have for their country? The peo- ple’s ambition is more important than the ambition of individuals. Ultimately, elected officials should be agents of the people, while the people are the princi- pals – not the other way around. If we focus on the people’s ambition for our country, we will then get the right set of agents, leaders, to actualize the people’s ambitions. If we shape the debate this way, I too will have ambition, just as the Chief in Sanoyea, Bong County, or the successful businessman living in Mamba Point. When Liberians harbor ambitions for their country, then standards or ex- pectations as to the credentials of those who can deliver the Liberian people’s ambitions will be set. So, as the real boss- es, the Liberian people, hire their next first agent (President) to deliver on the people’s ambitions, the Liberian people should begin focusing on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the job. After that, they can start popularizing the qualifi- cations, credentials and character of the Question: and weaknesses, and I just feel that there person they intend to hire. Or take it like How do you, Sir, see the political will be a lot of reaching across the po- this: the Liberian people should regard landscape of Liberia in view of the 2017 litical aisle. We will witness the sprouting themselves as a person intending to get

IMAGES Magazine | April - May 2014 | 9 Cover Story a particular type of suit, maybe because to becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs or she may be, no matter his or her eth- of a particular type of occasion. Do they and Minister of Public Works tomorrow nic, political or other background, will want a coat-suit or a traditional African or whatever; we have a responsibility to be recognized and enlisted in a national gown? Not all tailors know how to sew make it a little easier for them. The diffi- drive for sustainable development. My very well just any kind of suit. So if you culties I experienced walking from Gard- ambition is to see a reconciled, united want a good coat-suit (the people’s am- nersville to UL to school, I don’t think Liberia. My ambition is to see a peaceful bition), then you find the best coat-suit we need to replicate them for the young and stable Liberia; a Liberia that is just, tailor. If you want a very good African people of today. transparent, and God-fearing. So this is gown, you go where most people go, on Camp Johnson Road, where you will find one of the country’s best traditional gown tailors. In short, if Liberians be- gin to think like this, we will discipline the political field and the number of presidential wannabes will be drastically streamlined. But if the Liberian people have no ambition for the presidency – no standards, no TORs, no expectations and that anything goes – then the politi- cal field will get overly crowded because the Liberian people would have proven that they are cheap, not expensive, and at such, anyone with a few bucks or a freakish stroke can buy them or win their support. In other words, let us also shift the debate from what someone wants to be, to what they are capable of doing for their country. If someone becomes Presi- dent, he/she satisfies his/her ambition. If someone does or delivers, he or she satis- fies the people’s ambition. You ask me for my ambition. My am- bition is to see a Liberia, post-2017, that will build upon the gains scored thus far under President Sirleaf, not a Liberia in which all the positives of the present regime will be reversed, thereby putting the country on the rapid track to the bot- tomless pit. I want a Liberia, post-2017, that will be more prosperous – with im- proved literacy and social services for all. My ambition is to see more of our people lifted from the dark chambers of illiteracy, and given quality education. I am here today, as Minister of Foreign Af- fairs, because of the power of education. My parents were very poor. My late fa- ther did not even finish high school; my mother is a market woman, and she still sells in the Gardnersville market. I, once Foreign Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan, at the head of the table, in meeting with senior staff of the Ministry. upon a time, survived as a wheelbarrow boy in Gardnersville market. Were it not My ambition for 2017 and beyond is my ambition. What specific role I play in for education and scholarships and what to see a Liberia in which democracy will actualizing my ambition for my country, have you, I would not have made it. Con- have deeper depth and wider breadth; a that will be determined first and fore- sequently, I feel very good that there are Liberia where the positives of each Libe- most by the Grace of the Almighty and lots of young people out there who aspire rian, no matter how low or how high he by time.

10 | IMAGES Magazine April - May 2014 Cover Story

For now, I have a job to do for the sion of my dear nation. To do so would I mentioned your name and also that of Liberian people: that is to serve well as be the ultimate betrayal of the people, Prof. Wilson Tarpeh. You became the their Minister of Foreign Affairs. And, which I am not prepared to do. Minister of Finance, and you performed. as I have always done with all my previ- Question: When you were appointed as Foreign ous responsibilities in this Government You were the Budget Director when Minister, many people thought the Presi- or before, I am and will dedicate all the former Finance Minister Antoinette dent had erred; because you were from fibers of my being to the task at hand Sayeh left. The Daily Observer published Budget and Finance, how would you and leave the future to be sorted out by names of those who were, in some quar- perform at Foreign Affairs? Two distinct areas, but to everybody’s utmost surprise, you are performing. Suppose the Libe- rian people ask you, whether tomorrow you can cross a bigger bridge; that is, if they decide that in 2017, you must lead them?

Answer: It is good that you have chosen to carry me through memory lane as regards some of the issues that attended my ap- pointment as Minister of Finance. There were speculative articles as to the “would- be’s”. Let me divulge that Madam Sirleaf called me one Saturday evening and told me that she was going to appoint me as the Minister of Finance. After that, it took a month before the announcement came out. The interesting thing is that I knew that I would be Minister of Finance a month before the announcement. At the time, people were speculating. The challenge then was not to inform even my closest friends, for I enjoyed the dra- ma. It was very interesting. Well, I can understand why, coming on this side, some people said, “He’s from the financial side, how can he perform on the political side?” Let me go back. When I was appointed Budget Director, some of the critics said, “This guy is a po- litical guy; how can he perform on the fi- nancial side?” Many people did not know that I had been trained as a financial per- son. I have a solid Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics, an MBA in Finance and Accounting, and several certifications from some substantive in- stitutions, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Harvard University and others. However, those things were not in the public domain for people to have known them. All they knew was the grace of the Almighty God. But one ters, considered suitable to be the Fi- that I was a political guy. thing is clear and unequivocal: Just as I nance Minister, which did not include When I was appointed Minister of was active in 2005 and 2011, I will not be you. I remember telling Mr. Best that Foreign Affairs, they then said, “This is inactive in 2017. I will not be indifferent there are other people who are fit for the a financial guy. How come he’s been ap- and passively sit and watch the retrogres- position, and he asked me to call names. pointed on the political side?” They had

IMAGES Magazine | April - May 2014 | 11 Cover Story then forgotten that I was also a political selfish political decision. If this happens, guy. In fact, as a student leader, I dealt we will yearn for a past that we thought with some of the challenges and com- was not that good. Sadly, that may be the plex situations a typical Foreign Minister only time when we will recognize that we would encounter. We had to go through have made some colossal mistakes em- countless complex issues that required bedded in the political choices made. political acumen to adequately handle. So, I believe in continuity along the It also required skills, especially negotia- path of progress. I don’t believe in what tion skills, as one tried to address the in- is called stale continuity. We should terests of students while at the same time continue to be democratic, we should ensuring that the concerns of the faculty continue to commit to peace and sta- and the administration were taken into bility in this country, and we should consideration. I earned a certificate from continue to be committed to economic Sacramento University in 1999 in what is progress, working tooth and nail to take Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). guidance of God, because it is God’s our people from poverty to prosperity. Despite the fact that I was a student lead- grace and guidance that have brought Hence, continuity of the vision is what er in the ’90s, technically I was preparing me thus far. What I do next, where I go matters. Also to ensure continuity, we for this job. next, how far or how high I go next, will need to build strong institutions, and en- Additionally, I have gone through be sorted out by the same Almighty God act forward-looking laws now that out- lots of workshops and training pro- that has always guided my path through last individuals and regimes. Eventually, grams. I have represented the country thick and thin. there could be new players; but when more intensively at international fora new players emerge in an environment of in the capacities of the Minister of Fi- Question: strong institutions and strong laws, it will nance and the Minister of Foreign Af- Mr. Ngafuan, certainly in national be difficult for them to reverse the coun- fairs. The Minister of Finance does not leadership in post-war Liberia, continu- try or veer off on a wrong path. We must only focus on the domestic economy ity plays a very significant role. In view of continue to innovate, continue to find and revenue generation; he or she also the fact that the Government has made better ways to do old things. We must be engages the external world on issues re- so much progress, how do you think Li- open and prepared to explore uncharted garding the economy – specifically the berians can enjoy continuity in the next territories, but always remaining true to World Bank, IMF, ADB, U.S. Treasury, leadership? core principles. etc. In my former capacity as Minister of Finance, one of my main tasks was to Answer: Question: navigate the country through the Highly You know, the more progress we What have been some developments Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) process make as a country, the more years of at the Foreign Ministry as it relates to and ensure debt cancellation. We did sig- peace we achieve, the higher the stakes improvement of embassies in Liberia and nificantly well, travelling from country for whatever political decision we make other issues of national interest? to country, negotiating with hard-nosed as a country. In fact, I made a speech last counterparts, trying to make the case year in London to Liberians in the UK, Answer: for Liberia. Through these international while celebrating July 26. One of the Thank you very much. It is good that, travels and high-level meetings, I was in- things I said, about our country, espe- over time, a number of significant coun- directly imbibing the skills necessary for cially in view of the discovery of oil and tries have opened or reopened their em- the conduct of foreign affairs. Let me say the verification of its commercial viabil- bassies here in Liberia, with resident am- this also: While at Finance, I never ever ity, is that as the stakes get higher, politi- bassadors: Great Britain, Brazil, Sweden, would go to any country without enlist- cal decisions need to be made in a more Qatar, and many others accredited resi- ing the support of the resident Liberian meticulous and more visionary manner, dent ambassadors to Liberia in 2012. In Ambassador. If you check some of my because the consequences of bad deci- fact, the British Embassy was reopened pictures at the Ministry of Finance, in sions will be colossal. The consequences in Monrovia last year, since the height of some of my negotiations, the person you of good decisions will also be colossal in a the Liberian civil war. Kuwait is consider- will see near me is a Liberian Ambassa- positive way. As we rebuild, political de- ing opening an embassy in Monrovia very dor, whether I was in Washington, D.C. cisions must be made thoroughly. And as soon. As more of this is happening, it is a or elsewhere. So, technically, I was aware I said in London, because the discovery vote of confidence in the progress of our of the challenges at the Ministry of For- of oil has raised the stakes in our coun- country. The more these countries come eign Affairs even before I came here. On try, whenever we Liberians enter a voting here, that’s a positive sign for Liberia. We, the specific question concerning 2017, booth, we should turn to our heads; or too, have been engaged externally. We are as I said earlier, I will not be inactive in else we will make our country turn on its in the process of establishing our Mis- 2017. I believe strongly in the grace and head because of our reckless, carefree, and sion in Brasilia, Brazil. We are expanding

12 | IMAGES Magazine April - May 2014 Cover Story our diplomatic frontiers. Recently, we areas of Agriculture and Food Security, agreement for the construction of the were in Dubai, UAE; we are in a process Energy and Power Infrastructure, as well Ministerial Complex in Liberia that will that will soon lead to the accreditation as Human Development. house more than ten government min- of ambassadors and the conclusion of a One significant thing that has oc- istries; and the conclusion of a US$50 Joint Commission on Bilateral Coop- curred, especially over the period that we million agreement with the Japanese eration. We also have resident Liberian have been here and that we consider as Government for the expansion of So- ambassadors in Qatar and Kuwait. There one of our biggest diplomatic successes, malia Drive to a four-lane highway. We are resource issues, but we are trying to was dealing with what could have been have properties abroad that we are sourc- navigate through the difficulties. There an explosive issue that related to Liberia ing the necessary resources to renovate are lots of positive partnerships. During and Côte d’Ivoire. Through good dip- and/or upgrade. We have initiated ac- 2013, we concluded diplomatic arrange- lomatic engagements within what we tions on our property in New Rochelle, ments that consolidated our relationship called a Quadripartite Framework in- New York, in Accra, Ghana, and in Addis with the United States, Japan, and the volving the Governments of Liberia and Ababa, Ethiopia, among others. EU. With the U.S., we launched the U.S.- Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the two peace- Liberia Partnership Dialogue, which is keeping outfits – UNMIL and UNOCI Question: a platform meant to institutionalize the – we were able to agree on a host of mea- What has been the most forceful de- relationships between the two countries. sures that stabilized the border, triggered cision that impacted on you? As President Johnson Sirleaf said, when the return of refugees, and the launch of she made remarks at the launch of the a confidence-building initiative dubbed Answer: Dialogue in Washington, D.C., the in- the Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders Mr. Moore, to be honest, I am reserv- tention of the Partnership Dialogue is to Meeting (JCCEM). The first JCCEM ing the answer to that question for my have a firm foundation of Liberia-U.S. re- meeting brought chiefs and elders from autobiography or my memoirs which I lationship, no matter who is in the White Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire together in will definitely publish sometime in the House or in the Executive Mansion. I led Zwedru during the latter part of 2013, future. So whenever I release it, scour the Liberian delegation to the first edi- with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and through the book, and I assure you that tion of the Dialogue in Washington in President Alassane Ouattara in atten- you will find the answer to this question. May 2013, and we hosted the second dance. The next edition of the JCCEM For now, allow me to keep you and your edition in Monrovia in March. Through will soon be held in Côte d’Ivoire. readership in suspense. the Dialogue, we are consolidating part- Positive and tangible partnerships nership with the U.S. Government in the led to the conclusion of a US$60 million

Minister Ngafuan being gowned in Nimba County.

IMAGES Magazine | April - May 2014 | 13 Cover Story

Profile of H.E. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan Minister of Foreign Affairs & Dean of the Liberian Cabinet.

Early Life and Education degree in Accounting and Economics. USA, where he earned a solid MBA in Fi- Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan is a respect- However, due to the intermittent epi- nance and Accounting in June 2004. ed Liberian professional, intellectual and sodes of the Liberian civil war, which in- political actor with several meritoriously terrupted the academic life of students Political Life achieved accolades to his credit. He was of the University, coupled with scanty Hon. Ngafuan has been politically born in Monrovia on 7 April 1970, and support from the Government of Libe- active since his high school days. He hails from the Kolahun District, in north- ria to the University of Liberia, Ngafuan served as Interim Student Leader of the ern Lofa County. As a young student earned his degree in February 2000 with Booker Washington Institute in 1988, leader studying Accounting at the Booker the highest academic distinction – sum- and was elected in the same year as Vice Washington Institute (BWI) in the ’80s, ma cum laude. While still a university President of the Student Government. In he emerged as one of three students – the student, Ngafuan used his time to capaci- April 1998, Ngafuan was elected Presi- other two were Indian students attend- tate himself on multiple fronts. In 1998, dent of the University of Liberia Stu- ing St. Patrick’s High School – who won he received a Certificate in Democratic dent (ULSU), a position he held until the West African Examinations Council’s Leadership from the African Leader- February 2000. Leading nearly 10,000 (WAEC) 1989 Merit Award for scoring ship Forum, founded by former Nigerian students at the nation’s highest institu- the highest marks in the exams nation- President Olusegun Obasanjo. In 1999, tion of learning – an institution often wide. In fact, his 87% score in Science in he earned a Certificate in Alternative Dis- dubbed the “microcosm of Liberian soci- the 1989 WAEC Exams was the highest pute Resolution from the University of ety” – Ngafuan’s mandate was not only to nationwide. He also graduated as Vale- Sacramento, in California, USA. In 2002, promote the interest of students, but also dictorian of the Class of 1989 from the while serving as a Banking Analyst at the to defend social justice, press freedom, Booker Washington Institute (BWI), Central Bank of Liberia, Hon. Ngafuan inclusive democracy, and political liber- earning a diploma in Accounting. enrolled in the William E. Simon Gradu- ties in Liberia. Many still remember the Ngafuan entered the University of Li- ate School of Business Administration, indomitable courage and visionary com- beria in 1990 in pursuit of a Bachelor’s University of Rochester, in New York, ments of the young student leader when,

14 | IMAGES Magazine April - May 2014 Cover Story in 1998, he spoke truth to power at the nior Civic Education Officer for Bong assistance, ADF Deputies agreed on a re- Unity Conference Center during the County with the Independent Elec- plenishment level of US$9.5 billion over Vision 2024 Conference chaired by for- tions Commission. His distinguished the next three years (2011-2013), a 10.6 mer Liberian President Charles Taylor. academic performance at the UL earned percent increase in donor contributions Concerned about the rapidly deteriorat- him automatic employment with the over the ADF-11. We remain convinced ing political situation, the young student Central Bank of Liberia. He rose through that beyond this noble mission, which leader expressed qualms about the man- the ranks from Bank Examiner to Senior you accomplished so admirably, we can ner in which ECOMOG peacekeepers Banking Analyst and, finally, to the posi- continue to count on your wise and valu- were made to leave Liberia, the lack of tion of Head of International Banking. able counsel.” justice in the murder case of former Libe- In January 2006, he was appointed by Hon. Ngafuan was elected Chair of the rian politician Samuel Dokie, and the ris- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as Budget Board of Directors of the Liberia Bank ing climate of fear, among a host of other Director of the Republic of Liberia. In for Development and Investment (LBDI) concerns. Challenging President Taylor’s August 2008, he was appointed Minister in 2010, until his transition to the posi- record on reconciliation, the young Nga- of Finance, a position he successfully held tion of Minister of Foreign Affairs. His fuan asked President Taylor a few pointed until February 2012 when he assumed his achievements as Minister of Finance were questions: “Mr. President, where are Al- present position as Minister of Foreign numerous, ranging from expanding the haji Kromah, Roosevelt Johnson, Prince Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet. revenue base from a little over US$100 Johnson, former Vice President Harry As Budget Director of Liberia, Nga- million to US$500 million; to the intro- Moniba, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Henry fuan lifted the veil of secrecy around the duction of scores of reforms, including Fahnbulleh, Amos Sawyer, etc? Wherever National Budget by making it a truly spearheading the crafting and ensuring they are, are they safe to return, or would public document. He created awareness the passage of the much-touted Public Fi- you be safe with their return?” Mr. Presi- around the budget process on radio talk nancial Management (PFM) Law, which dent, are we truly reconciled?” Speaking shows and at Hatai shops and in other clearly lays out the roles and responsi- almost prophetically, the courageous stu- interactive fora in Monrovia and across bilities of major actors in public financial dent leader continued: “Mr. President, if the country. He brought discipline, in- management, as well as providing the le- we don’t take more tangible actions on tegrity, and predictability around the en- gal basis for introduction of the Medium the path of reconciliation, I fear that all tire budget process, earning the admira- Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). the visions that we are crafting here will tion of many, including many critics who He automated business processes at collapse like a pack of cards!” initially doubted his ability to perform the Ministry of Finance as a way of en- With such popular stature and vast po- because of his age. When elevated to the hancing efficiency and transparency. litical acumen, Ngafuan was a natural fit position of Minister of Finance in 2008, On the revenue side, he introduced the to organize and lead the Youths for Ellen he became the youngest Finance Minister ASYCUDA software, and on the budget Presidency (YEP), comprising thousands across the entire African continent. As Fi- and expenditure sides he introduced the of young people nationwide who felt nance Minister he simultaneously served Integrated Financial Management Infor- that, among the 22 presidential contend- as Liberia’s Governor to the Boards of mation System (IFMIS). The Direct De- ers in the 2005 Presidential Elections, Governors of the IMF, the World Bank posit Program whereby Government em- Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf represented and the African Development Bank ployees are paid directly to their accounts the best choice for Liberia. While serving (ADB). Hon. Ngafuan chaired the at commercial banks was introduced in as Chairman of YEP, he also doubled as AfDB Constituency, comprising Liberia, 2009 by the Ngafuan administration. Spokesperson of the Unity Party Cam- Ghana, The Gambia, Sudan and Sierra This brought much desired convenience paign Team in the 2005 Elections. Again, Leone from 2010 up to end of his ser- to civil servants, and dealt significantly in 2011, he was a key figure in the Unity vice as Minister of Finance. In his capac- with the intractable problems of ghost Party Campaign Team which secured a ity as Governor of Liberia at the African names on Government’s payroll. The in- second term for President Sirleaf. Development Bank, Ngafuan was one of troduction of a Public Sector Accounting three African Finance Ministers selected System (IPSAS) by the Government of Professional Career, Successes by Bank President Donald Kaberuka to Liberia through the Ministry of Finance and Achievements participate in Consultative Meetings for in 2009 was significant because it was the Beginning in 1988, with a six-month the 12th Replenishment of Resources of first time in the nation’s history that ac- internship in the Accounts Division of the African Development Fund (ADF- counting standards were formally intro- the Liberia Petroleum Refining Com- 12). In a 29 November 2010 letter of duced across Government. Perhaps the pany (LPRC) as a requirement to earning appreciation, Bank President Kaberuka most towering of all of Hon. Ngafuan’s a diploma in Accounting at the Booker wrote: “The timely and succinct inter- achievements at Finance was his skillful Washington Institute, Honorable Nga- vention you made during [our] meetings leadership of the Liberian Government’s fuan has had a distinguished professional helped the Bank present a strong case for efforts which culminated in the success- career. During the 1997 Presidential the selected and focused areas of inter- ful cancellation of nearly US$5 billion and General Elections, he served as Se- vention under the ADF-12. With your in external debt through the Heavily In-

IMAGES Magazine | April - May 2014 | 15 Cover Story debted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initia- raids into Ivorian territory, attests to WAEC country-wide exams in 1989, and tive. This remarkable feat, of debt cancel- his innate diplomatic skills. Through the Certificate of Honor in 2000 from lation by reaching the HIPC Completion an initiative called the Quadripartite the J.J. Roberts Educational Foundation Point, was achieved in record time, dis- Framework, which involved the two gov- for graduating summa cum laude from tinguishing Liberia as one of the fastest ernments as well as the peacekeeping mis- the University of Liberia, are among the HIPC achievers. sions in both countries, all of the stake- scores of academic awards Hon. Ngafuan In his current portfolio as Minister holders have agreed to a host of measures has to his credit. For demonstrating prin- of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Li- that have occasioned the stabilization of cipled and courageous leadership as Pres- berian Cabinet, Hon. Ngafuan has led the border region and the launch of confi- ident of the University of Liberia Student the Foreign Ministry of Foreign Affairs dence-building meetings involving chiefs Union (ULSU), Ngafuan was named by in undertaking positive engagements and elders of the two countries. the Inquirer Newspaper in 1998 as Stu- with all friendly countries and peoples With guidance from the Chief Archi- dent Activist of the Year. Ngafuan is one of the world, particularly with those na- tect of Liberia’s foreign policy, President of Africa’s poet laureates, having won 2nd tions having diplomatic representation Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Hon. Ngafuan Prize in an Africa-wide, yearlong BBC near Monrovia. Through his remark- has represented the President at high- Network Africa Poetry Competition in able foresight and diplomatic adeptness, level meetings of ECOWAS, the African 2001. He received the National Leader- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs success- Union, and a host of other for a, includ- ship Award in 2010 from the National fully finalized several important bilateral ing the France-Africa Summit hosted Excellence Award Committee of Liberia. agreements which, when brought to frui- by French President François Hollande This award recognizes public and private tion, will significantly impact economic in December 2013. He has successfully citizens for distinguished service to com- development in Liberia. The most sig- shepherded three important political munity and nation. And in 2011, he was nificant agreements which Hon. Ngafuan framework engagements – namely, the winner of the Public Service Award from has negotiated and signed, in furtherance U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue, the the National Excellence Award Commit- of Government’s Development Diplo- EU-Liberia Political Dialogue, and the tee. Hon. Ngafuan has been named Min- macy Agenda, include: the landmark Japan-Liberia Dialogue Engagement – ister of the Year by several local media US$60 million agreement with the Chi- which promise to boost improvements institutions since he became a Minister of nese Government for the construction of in agriculture, infrastructure and power, Government in 2008. a modern Ministerial Complex intended human development and other areas, as to house ten government ministries and well as solidify the relationship between Others agencies; and a US$50 million agreement Liberia and these partners. Hon. Ngafuan is married to Mrs. with the Japanese Government for the ex- Massa Konneh Ngafuan, and the union pansion of Somalia Drive to a four-lane, Awards is blessed with three children – two girls paved expressway. When completed, the Hon. Ngafuan is a proud recipient and a boy. He loves sports, especially Ministerial Complex will be the second of numerous awards and certificates of football, which he plays very well. When largest Chinese office infrastructure in achievement for excellence in his academ- he served as Minister of Finance, he cap- Africa, second only to African Union ic, professional, political and literary life. tained his team, “Dollars,” to two succes- Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The West African Examinations Coun- sive championships in the Annual Inter- Since Minister Ngafuan took the helm cil (WAEC) Merit Award for Academic Ministerial Tournament. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li- Excellence, awarded in 1989 for being beria’s bilateral relations have improved one of three students who topped the significantly, with several friendly nations opening embassies in Monrovia with resident-accredited ambassadors. These include: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Sweden, Brazil, and the State of Qatar. Hon. Nga- fuan has also helped spur tremendous improvement in relations with Indonesia, Kuwait, Qatar, and now with the United Arab Emirates, with implications for huge economic benefits and technical as- sistance to Liberia. The mature and skillful manner in which he managed the simmering ten- sions brewing between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, triggered by deadly cross-border

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