Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai has formally launched the process for crafting the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), appealing to critics to sympathize with him and consider the starting point of his administration.
By Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
Speaking at the EJS Ministerial Complex, President Boakai did not detail the state of the country upon his takeover from former President George Weah but promised collaboration with stakeholders for a prosperous future for all Liberians.
“A lot of people are very critical of the government, but they don’t even know where we are starting this government from,” President Boakai said. “They are not in sympathy with us. One thing I can assure you is that this government is intended to move this country in the direction of progress. We will address all critical areas to make the country attractive to investment.”
He emphasized that his government has recently received several ambassadors, with more expected soon. “People are taking interest in our country. We are looking into opportunities for scholarships,” he added.
President Boakai assured that his government would invest in local initiatives, such as agriculture, to benefit and involve Liberians. He also pledged to engage various stakeholders in the nation’s development process, including the religious community, youth, media, and students.
Planning in full swing
Acting Finance Minister Augustine Myers described the meeting as a significant milestone for the ARREST Agenda, highlighting the importance of development planning. Myers emphasized that the planning process is in full swing and called for the consolidation of support from all stakeholders—moral, financial, and technical—to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy and the publication of its outcomes upon completion.
The AAID is a comprehensive five-year medium-term strategy (2025-2029) that includes a National Development Plan, a Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP), and specific development agendas for each of Liberia’s fifteen counties. Myers stressed the significance of the AAID National Steering Committee meeting in updating stakeholders on the planning progress and underscored the importance of political backing, resource allocation, and technical expertise.
Myers announced the engagement of two local consultancy firms to collaborate with Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) technicians in formulating the AAID. Additionally, the procurement of four vehicles was planned to enhance national and sub-national coordination efforts. National-level sector engagements were scheduled to commence on July 19, 2024, with county and district-level consultations starting on July 22, 2024, spanning 25 days.
These consultations are crucial for gathering input and ensuring that the AAID reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Liberian communities, Myers stressed. He highlighted the proactive steps taken by the Liberian government to develop a robust framework for inclusive development through the AAID, ensuring comprehensive engagement and effective implementation at all governance levels.
Three key stages
Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning Tanneh G. Brunson provided an update on the national development planning process, detailing the National Roadmap endorsed by the cabinet to guide the development of Liberia’s new National Development Plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Public Sector Investment Programs (PSIP), and the 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs).
Brunson outlined three key stages: planning and organizing, national and sub-national level engagements, and developing and formulating the AAID, PSIP, and CDAs. Coordination meetings with key stakeholders (MACS, CSOs, Chamber of Commerce, Liberia Business Association, and Development Partners) are planned to strengthen collaboration and garner support. The AAID, PSIP, and CDAs are expected to be launched by November 30, 2024.
Brunson added that sector engagements for crafting the AAID and the budget preparation process would be conducted simultaneously to ensure that the FY2025 National Budget aligns with the AAID, PSIP, and CDAs.
Dr. Peter-Lasuba Clement, United Nations Representative, commended President Boakai for his leadership in advancing the ARREST Agenda and its County Development Agendas. Dr. Clement emphasized the importance of mutual accountability among stakeholders, including the Government of Liberia, the United Nations, and Development Partners, to ensure that interventions benefit all Liberians, especially the vulnerable and those in rural areas, while safeguarding against misuse of funds.
Dr. Clement highlighted the significance of inclusive processes embedded in the AAID and CDAs, stressing principles such as diversity, equity, human rights integration, gender equality, women’s empowerment, social protection, youth employment, and nutrition. These principles are essential for aligning Liberia’s aspirations with national strategies aimed at inclusive growth, reducing disparities, and promoting equitable and sustainable development at both county and national levels.
