Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-02-22 19:53:08
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai made nominations on Tuesday, January 20, 2024, for additional officials to positions within the Liberian government, affecting various ministries and agencies, notably the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI). The nominations included several individuals for different roles within MoA and CARI, such as David K. Akoi for Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, Antionette F. Dukuly for Minister of Administration, Moses R. Gbanyan for Deputy Minister for Regional Development Research and Extension, and Solomon C. Hedd-Williams for Deputy Minister for Technical Services. Additionally, there were nominations for Edward B. Perry, Folton Blasin, Zogbo Luther, Francis F.B. Mulbah, and Joseph Toumed, pending confirmation by the Senate.
However, a detailed investigation revealed that two of the nominees, David K. Akoi and Joseph Toumed, lacked the necessary qualifications and experience in the fields of agriculture and research, raising concerns among stakeholders within the agricultural sector.
David K. Akoi, the nominee for Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, had prior experience as Director of Internal Audit at the Central Bank of Liberia and exhibited financial expertise. On the other hand, the nominee for Deputy Director at CARI was noted for his work in finance and agriculture, although there were discrepancies in his qualifications and background as per his Facebook profile.
If confirmed, the Deputy Minister for Planning and Development would be responsible for providing policy advice, strategic planning, and coordination within the Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on agricultural economic issues and sector development. As for the Deputy Director role at CARI, the nominee would be tasked with scientific research for agricultural development under the supervision of the Director General, as per the institute’s structural requirements.
While some stakeholders questioned the nominees’ lack of agriculture-specific experience, others believed that their financial backgrounds could bring efficient financial management to the institutions. H. Augustus Roberts from the ECOWAS Non States Actors Coalition suggested that the appointments might aim at promoting prudent financial practices within the ministries.
However, concerns were raised regarding the nominees’ understanding of agricultural policies and programs, such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the Liberia Agriculture Sector Investment Plans (LASIP), which are crucial for the sector’s growth. Former officials like Roberts Fagans emphasized the importance of strategic planning in the ministry to optimize resources and avoid wasteful spending.
Former Deputy Minister for Regional Development Research and Extension, Thomas Gbokie, stressed the necessity of qualified individuals at CARI to revive the research institute and address the longstanding issues within the sector. While acknowledging the nominee’s potential contributions in financial matters, he underscored the significance of appointing individuals with relevant qualifications and expertise to drive agricultural development.
In conclusion, the nominations made by President Boakai raised mixed reactions from stakeholders, with concerns about the nominees’ suitability for key positions in the agricultural sector. The appointments highlighted the need for a balance between financial acumen and sector-specific experience to effectively address the challenges and opportunities in agriculture and research in Liberia.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
