I am happy that a qualified young progressive has been appointed to head the Finance ministry. This is a strategic appointment for ma Ellen as she approach Election 2011. While early i was advocating for Alex Cuffy but i think Ngafuan is qualified for the job. I worked with Ngafuan at the level of SUP and ULSU at the University of Liberia. He is very articulate and hardworking..I applaud the appointment...

Ngafuan Appointed Minister of Finance
Published: 05 August, 2008

Finance Minister designate and Budget Director Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan MONROVIA, Budget Director Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has been appointed Minister of Finance by President Ellen.

Mr. Ngafuan's appointment came after he had displayed a splendid performance as Director General of the Bureau of Budget.
The young Liberian financial expert brought transparency to the budget process in the country, making it possible for all Liberians to openly debate and know what was in their annual fiscal budget.

It was during the administration of Mr. Ngafuan that the budget process became open to the extent that copies of the proposed and approved budgets were made available free of charge to all government agencies, civic organizations, schools, churches and media outlets including pressure groups and opposition political parties.

Speaking briefly after his appointment, Mr. Ngafuan said he was grateful for his preferment by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He pledged to tackle corruption, pursue debt waiver, and expand the economy. Mr. Ngafuan also told the Daily Observer's economic reporter that he would foster sustainable reforms that would attract potential investors into the economy and create more jobs to support the country's Poverty Reduction Strategy.
If confirmed by the Liberian Senate, the 36-year-old native son of Lofa County will become the youngest Finance of Minister in the country's history.

According to an Executive Mansion release, others appointed by the President are Amara M. Konneh, Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs; Natty B. Davis, Minister of State without Portfolio; Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, Chairman, Governance Commission; and Betty Saway, who has been reappointed as member of the Central Bank Board of Governance.

All appointments, the Mansion said, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.

hahaha.. you are bad Lady Flo

The Minister of Finance deals with finance and monetary matters of the Republic. Liberia needed someone with immense International Experience; someone with strong connection in the West. This brother seems to be smart, but he has never worked outside Liberia. Appoint the brother as the Deputy Minister of Finance, and have him work the International stage for a year or two years; then elevate him to the next level.

The Finance Minister is the Chief Financial Officer of the Republic of Liberia, and thus should have hands-on experience with markets and economies around the world. The Minister is responsible for formulating and recommending domestic and international financial, economic, and tax policy, participating in the formulation of broad fiscal policies that have general significance for the economy, and managing the public debt.

you have a point Rufus..
i am concern that he and Mawolo may not work well together..
mawolo was ok to work as deputy to Sayeh, but i doubt it will be rosy now...

I'm sure Ma Ellen knows exactly what she's doing, and we wish her well.. The Liberian people elected her because they felt she had what it took to work under pressure, and make sound decisions in the interest of the country.

I am kind of happy as this sends a message to us young people that honest hardwork does pay.

Can u tell us his background, prior to becoming Director General of the BB???? A 36 year old professional could truly have a wealth of experience. If he graduated college on time, he would have been working for at least 15 yrs.....

I strongly disagree with CG and Berry as it relate to the appointment of Ngafuan on the account that he is young and has no international connection. First of all CG, Ngafuan and Mawollo were sup militant and they have worked together in the student melieu and i think they will get alone. The fact that he Mawollo was Deputy Finance Minister made him to have work with Ngafuan on several levels.

With respect to the international scene, i will like to say that he may not have that connection 100% but as Director of the Budget he deal with internal players at some level thereby making him fit to serve as Minister of Finance. The position of Minister is not for old guys cause we are in a new Liberia where ideas and political connection matters.

Ngafuan bring to the position his skill in financial management and politics. The guy can ably articulate the President financial policy and that is what matters........