By Contributor
MONROVIA — During a recent press briefing, Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan addressed public confusion over government salaries, asserting that no one on the central government payroll earns less than $150. This statement was a direct response to claims that the Boakai administration has failed to enforce the Decent Work Act’s minimum wage.
Ngafuan clarified that the confusion stems from the distinction between gross pay and net pay. He explained that while various deductions for taxes, social security, and loans reduce a worker’s take-home amount, or net pay, the gross salary, which is the benchmark for the minimum wage, remains at or above $150. “We can categorically say that no one on the central government payroll is making less than $150 gross,” Ngafuan declared. “It is misleading to say otherwise.”
The minister also highlighted the outcomes of President Joseph Boakai’s recent visit to Japan. Ngafuan described the trip as a success, with Japan committing to a series of grant-based assistance initiatives. Key among these commitments are the extension of the Somalia Drive to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, additional support for the JFK Medical Center, and new grants for housing and infrastructure projects through its development arm, JICA. Ngafuan stressed that Japan’s support primarily comes in the form of grants, emphasizing that “the Japanese don’t do debt-trap diplomacy.” The Japanese government also expressed interest in private sector investments in Liberia’s agriculture and renewable energy sectors.
Further, Ngafuan detailed significant commitments from the World Bank, which will channel $500 million into Liberia over the next five years through a new Country Partnership Framework. This funding will focus on key sectors like tourism, agribusiness, and energy. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private-sector arm, has also committed to a 20-megawatt renewable energy project with a private investor and is exploring further equity participation in Liberian businesses. Liberia was also selected to develop an Energy Compact aimed at increasing electricity access from 34% to 75% within five years.
On the regional front, Ngafuan announced that the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) is considering restructuring Liberia’s loan for the ELWA-RIA Highway to ease fiscal pressure. Afreximbank is also interested in financing additional infrastructure and climate projects in the country.
Finally, Ngafuan confirmed that Liberia remains eligible for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, a significant U.S. development grant. While the transition of administrations in Washington has caused delays, recruitment for key positions at the MCC Liberia office is ongoing.
According to Ngafuan, the Boakai-Koung administration is strategically aligning wage policy, diplomacy, and development finance to address national priorities, from infrastructure and energy to healthcare and agriculture.
