MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Liberia (GOL) have signed Amendments 14 and 15 to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DAOG).
The Amendments will see an additional One Hundred and Fourteen Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Five United States Dollars (US$114,488,125.00) addition to the DAOG agreement of 2020. At the signing ceremony on Wednesday in Monrovia, Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan termed the signing of the amendments a “strengthening of the historic bilateral ties between the peoples of the United States of America and Liberia.”.
The Finance and Development Planning Minister termed the government and people of the United States a reliable partner to the government and people of Liberia, supporting many aspects of national development. Minister Ngafuan disclosed that the new amendments to the DOAG will accelerate reforms in health and education and provide essential services to Liberians.
This agreement, Hon. Ngafuan said, will provide support for programs in three thematic areas: market-driven inclusive economic growth supporting increased job creation, effective and inclusive governance catalyzed through reforms and greater accountability, and a foundation for growth strengthened through a healthy, productive, and educated population. He said the activities cut across several sectors, including agriculture, justice, education, and health, amongst others.
“For a sustainable approach to development, investment in areas of the domestic economy where the most potential can be leveraged to create jobs for our people, especially in the private sector, is critical; this must be done in line with efforts that promote accountability in public sector institutions and ensure resources are managed prudently to benefit all of our people,” Hon. Ngafuan said. The Finance and Development Planning Minister, on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., expressed his gratitude to the government and people of America for their commitment to the growth of the country.
Speaking earlier, United States Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner said the ceremony reflects the US government’s shared commitment to advancing Liberia’s development and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the two nations. Ambassador Toner intimated that since the launch of the 640 million five-year Development Objective agreement in May 2020, significant strides have been made that have necessitated the addition of the US$114.4 million, making the total contribution to date to US$ 489 million.
The US Ambassador termed the signing of the amendments as a new step to Liberia’s path to growth and prosperity. “This funding represents more than just financial support; it reflects our steadfast commitment and investment in Liberia’s future.” Ambassador Toner disclosed that USAID will provide training for teachers, deliver health commodities to communities in need, and expand economic opportunities in agriculture, amongst others.
He said the US and Liberian governments will ensure that every dollar contributes to a sustainable positive outcome for the Liberian people. “As we embark on this new chapter, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain, including corruption and capacity constraints. Together we must reinforce existing structures needed to address these issues,” the US Ambassador concluded.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and was attended by USAID Mission Director Jim Wright; Deputy Justice Minister for Codification, Cllr. Cora N. Konuwa; as well as Deputy and Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and Officials of the US Embassy near Monrovia.
