President Boakai says Liberia’s development drive is now, and there should be no room for excuses. He endorses his government’s development plan—the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development.
By Lewis S. Teh
Congo Town, Liberia, December 4, 2024—President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has warned members of the national steering committee of the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) that their work must yield results, which he is optimistic will lead to the country’s development.
The Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development is the development roadmap for this administration, which is under immense pressure to deliver on campaign promises.
“As we gather here today to endorse Liberia’s new development plan – the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development or AAID, let us be reminded that now is the time for all of us to work collaboratively to develop this country; no time for an excuse,” President Boakai underscores.
He urged the document’s endorsement on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, when he presided over the National Steering Committee Meeting at the EJS Ministerial Complex in the oldest Congo Town.
The AAID is under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, President Boakai expressed delight in presiding over what he describes as an inspiring moment in his government’s journey to rescuing Liberia.
“As we come together to endorse the rest of the Agenda for Inclusive Development, AAID, and the Counter-Development Agenda, we are doing so when we are beginning to see the signs of common progress in our country.”
He says the gathering presents committee members with a unique opportunity. He says we can’t overly emphasize the importance of results at our various institutions in bringing development to this country.
He says it is no secret that Liberia faces significant challenges, including food insecurity, better nutrition, and a near-persistent lack of access to essential services such as clean drinking water, reliable electricity, adequate housing, and health care.
“Our people deserve better, and our responsibility is to address these challenges head-on.”
According to the President, the AAID is part of a comprehensive strategy supported by an ambitious program to tackle multidimensional poverty and create a lasting environment in citizens’ lives.
“Our focus is diversifying the economy, building resilient infrastructure, strengthening the rule of law, improving governance, combating corruption, ensuring environmental sustainability, ensuring ecological security, and investing in the human capital, he says.
Highlighting key development drivers of the ARREST Agenda, Mr. Boakai names agribusiness, infrastructure, the rule of law, and governance, adding that dealing with agribusiness, rules, and infrastructure, the rule of law, education, human capital, sanitation, and tourism are areas critical to Liberia’s future.
“My government is taking a proactive role in Liberia’s development through education and other areas; we are committed to championing the flagship projects central to the AAID.
However, let me be very clear: these are not the only projects for the AAID, but others will also support the development through the ARREST project in Liberia.”
President Boakai says many sectorial, county-level initiatives will be implemented by all stakeholders, who note that they are committed to supporting development in Liberia.
He continues that the government will also work closely with development partners, the private sector, civil society, and citizens both here and in the diaspora to ensure the effective implementation of the AAID plan.
“I urge all of you to engage fully and contribute your expertise as we move forward,” he says, calling on his officials to commit to a culture of mutual accountability.
The president notes that “the success of this agenda” depends on the government managing its limited resources and ensuring they are judiciously used effectively and efficiently, thereby impacting development and improving livelihoods.
According to President Boakai, the AAID is a call to action for all Liberians: government, private sector, international partners, civil society, and communities. It is also a call to unite in a shared vision for a prosperous and equitable Liberia.
“Collaboration will be vital to revitalizing peace sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, digital technology, infrastructure, education, and health care.”
He says as the government aims to accelerate economic growth, officials must ensure that it is not limited to economic growth, but tangible development that benefits every Liberian.
He continues that this requires decisive actions to address corruption, tackle governance challenges, and leverage technology to improve public service delivery.
United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Ms. Christine N. Umutoni, says it is a pleasure for the government to have included international partners in its development plan for 2025-2029, dubbed the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development and the 15 County Development Agendas.
She recalls the launch of planning processes earlier and the planning process itself. On behalf of development partners, the UN, and friends of Liberia, she congratulates the government and the people of Liberia for reaching this important milestone.
“Mr. President, we know very well that Liberia’s journey, with the government and the people leading their development agenda, but we also are aware that partnership, collaboration, and coordination are vital for everything to come together coherently towards common objectives; no single entity can achieve this,” Madam Umutoni emphasizes.
She calls for a united effort across institutions, government institutions, private sector, civil society, diaspora, and all development partners to achieve the plan.
She pledges, “We will continue to align our programs with Liberia’s priorities, ensuring synergy and maximum development impact.”
She adds that it is among the few plans being designed for 2029, basically towards the end of the SDGs circle.
Scores of local and international partners, including the USAID Mission Director, UN Resident Coordinator, UN Women, Swedish and United States Embassies near Monrovia, graced the National Steering Committee Meeting. Editing by Jonathan Browne
