Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-10 00:58:00
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is putting pressure on the Boakai administration to fight corruption and misappropriation in Liberia. The Charge d’ affaires at the Embassy of the United States near Monrovia, Catharine Rodriguez, emphasized the importance of taking concrete actions on audit findings to bring growth and development to the country. She stressed the need to hold individuals accountable for fraud, waste, or abuse of public resources.
USAID Country Director Jim Wright also called on the Boakai administration to swiftly implement anti-corruption policies and prosecute those responsible for corruption. He highlighted the detrimental impact of corruption on Liberia’s social and economic development goals, as well as the diversion of donor resources meant for the country’s benefit.
Wright expressed interest in hearing the government’s development plans and priorities, as well as their strategies for increasing accountability and transparency in managing public resources. He emphasized that USAID aligns its programs to support Liberia’s strategic development initiatives, with a new strategy set to take effect in 2025.
To achieve their development goals, Wright emphasized the importance of collaboration with government counterparts, civil society, private sector organizations, and other development partners. He called on local leadership to set priorities, shape projects, and ensure sustainability through meaningful engagement.
The USAID representative urged the Liberian government to take full responsibility for addressing development challenges and increasing budget accountability and transparency. He recommended establishing priorities through a budget hearing to ensure funds reach their intended destinations and support service delivery.
During a joint-sectoral portfolio performance review, Deputy Finance Minister Delphuo Zuo highlighted the need for effective aid dialogue, coordination, and leadership to support President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for a new Liberia. He stressed the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve development goals and prepare a national development plan.
Benedict Kanu, the African Development Bank Country Manager, commended the government for organizing the review of government projects and emphasized the need for increased private sector development. He encouraged the government to focus on impactful development and private sector investment for job creation.
In conclusion, the call for action against corruption and misappropriation in Liberia is clear. The pressure from USAID and other stakeholders underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and collaboration in achieving the country’s development goals. It is essential for the Boakai administration to take decisive steps to address corruption and restore trust in the public sector to pave the way for growth and development in Liberia.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
