By: Jallah D. Massah | Monrovia, jallahmassah@gmail.com
IPNEWS: In a landmark move to accelerate national development and regional integration, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has signed a US$30 million financing agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for the upgrading of the Salayea–Konia Road in Lofa County.The agreement, finalized under the leadership of Hon.
Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, also includes an additional US$700,000 grant from BADEA to strengthen health service delivery along the Gbarnga–Voinjama Road Corridor, a key economic and humanitarian route connecting northern Liberia.—A Transformative Milestone for Lofa and Northern LiberiaThe Salayea–Konia Road, long identified as a critical link between Lofa County and central Liberia, is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance market access, and stimulate agricultural trade across the region.Minister Ngafuan described the project as a vital component of the government’s broader infrastructure renewal strategy under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Accountability, Reform, Results, Equity, Sanitation, and Transparency in national development.
“This agreement represents more than a road project — it is a pathway to opportunity, growth, and improved livelihoods for our people,” Minister Ngafuan said. “Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic transformation, and we are grateful to BADEA for its sustained confidence in our country’s reform direction.”—Promoting Inclusive Growth and Social DevelopmentBeyond infrastructure, the US$700,000 BADEA health grant will directly support medical facilities and outreach services along the Gbarnga–Voinjama Corridor, improving access to healthcare for rural populations and supporting the government’s commitment to inclusive development and social equity.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that strategic partnerships with international financial institutions are key to sustaining Liberia’s growth agenda. He reaffirmed the government’s pledge to ensure transparent implementation, fiscal discipline, and accountability in all externally funded projects.> “Every dollar secured for Liberia must translate into visible change for our citizens,” he said. “This financing not only connects communities through roads — it connects lives through health, trade, and opportunity.”—Strengthening Development CooperationThe agreement with BADEA underscores Liberia’s strengthening cooperation with Arab and international partners and demonstrates growing international confidence in the country’s fiscal governance, leadership, and policy direction under Minister Ngafuan’s stewardship.
The Finance Minister, a former African Development Bank (AfDB) Country Manager, has played a key role in rebuilding international trust and mobilizing concessional financing for infrastructure, health, and economic reform programs.Development analysts view the deal as a major diplomatic and economic win, positioning Liberia to advance President Boakai’s vision of balanced regional development and sustainable growth through infrastructure modernization.
When completed, the Salayea–Konia Road will not only open access to trade and agriculture in Lofa County but also improve cross-border linkages with Guinea and Sierra Leone — unlocking regional commerce and fostering peace through connectivity.
As Minister Ngafuan continues to lead Liberia’s engagement with international partners, this agreement stands as a testament to his results-oriented leadership and the government’s determination to deliver tangible progress for the Liberian people. “We are building more than roads,” Minister Ngafuan affirmed. “We are building trust, hope, and the foundation of a stronger Liberia.”
