Home » Liberia Leads Africa In Api Certification, Says Speaker Richard Koon

Liberia Leads Africa In Api Certification, Says Speaker Richard Koon

MONROVIA – On Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA), House Speaker Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon hailed Liberia’s unprecedented achievement as the first African country to graduate a complete cohort of Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants (PPSAs) under the African Professionalization Initiative (API).

Over 33 PPSAs, including Margibi County Electoral District 5 Representative Clarence Gahr, received their certificates after completing what Speaker Koon described as a “rigorous and transformational training program.” The Speaker, who served as keynote speaker at the graduation, praised LICPA and its partners for their vital role in positioning Liberia as a trailblazer in public sector financial professionalism.

“There are many certified public accountants in high places in government and private institutions, yet you preferred us. We appreciate your preference and celebrate this milestone with you,” Koon said in his address, expressing gratitude for the honor of delivering the keynote.

Koon, an accomplished accountant and educator himself with double master’s degrees and CPA credentials, and currently pursuing a PhD, underscored the significance of the event not just as a personal triumph for the graduates but as a national achievement.

“Today’s graduation is not just a celebration of academic excellence. It is a declaration of Liberia’s leadership in upholding international standards and transparency in public finance,” he said.

He commended the theme of the ceremony, “Celebrating Excellence: Creating Value for the Public Sector,” as both timely and patriotic, reflecting Liberia’s ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and efficiency in public service. Speaker Koon extended his appreciation to the professors and professionals who supported the graduates, emphasizing their contribution to the advancement of accountancy in Liberia.

Highlighting the Legislature’s commitment to capacity building, Koon referenced the recent establishment of the KouFA Professional Training Program and Testing Center in partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU). The initiative, he said, aims to prepare Liberians to earn globally respected certifications such as ACCA, CIA, and CFE.

In a passionate closing message to the graduates, Speaker Koon called upon them to act as stewards of transparency and accountability in the public sector.

“Your graduation reflects Liberia’s commitment to integrity, efficiency, and accountability. You are now guardians of public trust. We depend on you. Please do not disappoint us,” Koon concluded.

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