Finance Minister Warns Of Deadly Consequences If Public Servants Fail To Perform

By P. Vangerline Kpotoe

 The Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Augustine K. Ngafuan has issued a stark warning about the grave consequences of public servants failing to do their jobs effectively.

Speaking during an induction and turnover ceremony at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on September 16, 2024, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the high stakes of their roles, particularly in the lives of ordinary Liberians.

He warned that their inaction could have deadly consequences, with citizens depending on their work for essential services like healthcare and infrastructure.

“Someone somewhere is hoping that we are doing our jobs well. If we do our jobs well, some hospital somewhere will be built, and some pregnant women will not die along with her baby. If we don’t, because of our inaction, that hospital will not be built, and some pregnant women along with the baby will die. We become murderers without even thinking that we are murderers,” Ngafuan stated.

Ngafuan urged his colleagues to recognize the severe implications of their responsibilities and to focus on performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.

He stressed that their actions, or lack thereof, carry life-and-death consequences, especially for the common people who rely on government services for survival.

The minister encouraged employees to excel in their duties, emphasizing that excellence would be recognized and rewarded: “When you do your job, the light of your productivity and excellence will shine so bright that no matter where I am, I will see the light, and I will chase the light.”

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Ngafuan expressed his gratitude to President Boakai for summoning him back to government service.

The MFDP official reflected on the heavy burden of leadership carried by both the President and Vice President and reiterated his personal commitment to fulfilling the people’s aspirations.

“To all the men and women, all my predecessors, who have been the reason why all the good things have happened, I want to say thank you for your contribution to our country and to the Ministry,” Ngafuan added.

He added: “We have the commitment, the passion, and the goodwill to fulfill the ambition of the people,”

For his part, Hon. Dixon Seboe, Chairman on the House committee on Ways, Means, and Finance, highlighted the importance of the national budget, noting that if implemented comprehensively, it would ease the financial burden on the Liberian Senate and improve access to essential services like healthcare.

He also called for an increment of civil servants’ salaries and continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s economy.

Rep. Seboe urged collaboration among government officials, stressing that while unity is crucial, there will be times when individual responsibilities must be addressed.

“Let’s unite our efforts to work more efficiently. Progress should happen naturally without excessive pushing,” he concluded.

Rep Seboe said Ngafuan’s warning serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility carried by public officials, citing that in a nation where many citizens rely on government action to meet their basic needs, failure to perform can have dire consequences—sometimes, as the minister starkly put it, the difference between life and death.