By Amos Harris
IPNEWS: Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has called on Liberians to place national interest above political, tribal, county, religious and other affiliations, urging citizens to use the national flag as a symbol of unity, responsibility and hope.
Minister Ngafuan made the call on Monday, August 24, 2026, while delivering the oration marking Liberia’s 179th National Flag Day under the theme, “From Heritage to Hope: The Flag That Unites Us.”
Speaking before President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, members of the Legislature, Cabinet officials, diplomats, traditional and religious leaders, members of the security forces, students and other citizens, Ngafuan said the national flag represents more than Liberia’s history, describing it as a symbol of the country’s common identity and a promise to future generations.
Reflecting on his childhood, the Minister recalled participating as a first-grade student in the National Flag Day parade in Bolahun, Lofa County, in 1978.
He said the experience left lasting memories of pride, celebration and national identity, noting that he could never have imagined that decades later he would stand as the National Flag Day Orator.
Ngafuan said every Liberian child should have the opportunity to look at the Lone Star and believe that the country recognizes their potential regardless of their background or circumstances.
He stressed that national unity does not require uniformity, noting that Liberians can belong to different political parties, counties, tribes, religions and social groups while remaining united under one national flag.
The Finance Minister cautioned against political and social stereotyping, urging Liberians to judge individuals based on their character, actions, values and contribution to the common good rather than their political, tribal, religious or county affiliations.
He also warned against automatically portraying people in or outside government as either good or bad based solely on their position.
According to Ngafuan, patriotism must extend beyond wearing national colors, singing the national anthem or waving the flag.
He said genuine patriotism is demonstrated through responsible action, including protecting public resources, teaching children, providing quality healthcare, enforcing the law, paying legitimate taxes, practicing responsible journalism, rejecting corruption and contributing positively to society.
He further called on public officials to recognize the national flag displayed in government offices as a reminder of their responsibility to the Liberian people.
He said public office should not be treated as a platform for advancing personal interests, emphasizing that holding government office increases an individual’s responsibility to the nation rather than ownership of the country.
Ngafuan also described Liberia as a common national enterprise in which every citizen is a shareholder, arguing that political leaders and ordinary citizens have equal ownership of the country but different levels of responsibility.
He urged pastors, teachers, political leaders, journalists, business leaders, community leaders and social media influencers to recognize that influence carries responsibility.
Addressing Liberia’s development agenda, Ngafuan said the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development represents an effort to transform national hope into concrete plans, projects and measurable improvements.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand roads, electricity, education, healthcare, jobs and other development opportunities, arguing that inclusive development can serve as one of the strongest forces for national unity.
The Minister also announced that Liberia is expected to reach a historic US$1 billion national budget in September, describing the milestone as an indication of efforts to expand domestic revenue and strengthen the country’s fiscal capacity.
However, he cautioned that a larger budget should not be viewed as an achievement by itself, saying its true value must be measured by improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Ngafuan urged political actors to compete without hatred, warning against a form of politics that treats national life as a zero-sum contest in which one Liberian must fail for another to succeed.
He called for a national “Patriotic Covenant” built around values including peaceful political competition, protection of public resources, accountability, truth, respect for the rule of law and placing Liberia above personal and political interests.
He further warned that Liberia’s peace should never be taken for granted, given the country’s history of conflict.
He urged citizens and leaders to use political platforms, radio programs, religious pulpits, community meetings and social media responsibly to avoid reopening divisions and wounds that the country has worked to heal.
Concluding his address, Ngafuan challenged Liberians to consider what the national flag would see if it could look back at the people beneath it.
He asked whether it would see citizens committed to national development, leaders putting country above self, young people receiving opportunities, political opponents disagreeing without hatred and public resources being transformed into services for the people.
He said the responsibility of building Liberia belongs to every generation, emphasizing that citizens must not only wave or salute the flag but must “live the flag” through integrity, service, responsibility and national commitment.
“Let us leave this celebration determined not merely to wave the flag, but to live the flag; not merely to salute Liberia, but to serve Liberia; not merely to hope for a better Liberia, but to build one,” Ngafuan declared, as he called for continued peace, unity and patriotism across the Republic.
