Ngafuan Advocates for Anti-Corruption Measures and Support for Local Businesses at E-Government Procurement Launch

Monrovia, Liberia - Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has strongly emphasized that for Liberia to progress, it is crucial to prevent corruption. 

 

“If we are to make progress, we must prevent corruption,” Minister Ngafuan declared in a firm statement.

 

While acknowledging the efforts of the courts in prosecuting corruption cases, Minister Ngafuan highlighted the importance of instituting laws and policies aimed at preventing corruption before it occurs. 

 

He expressed his full support for prosecuting corruption cases in the courts but stressed that “there should be no opportunity for individuals to steal in the first place.”

 

Minister Ngafuan made these remarks during the official launch of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in Monrovia on Thursday. 

 

The event, attended by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who officially launched the system, marked the introduction of the e-GP system. 

 

This new platform is designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase organizational efficiency, offering a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes.

 

Minister Ngafuan also urged spending entities to prioritize Liberian-owned businesses, particularly small businesses, which he believes are key to fostering economic growth. 

 

He pointed to the recently released "Fiscal Rule" from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, which directs spending entities to allocate a percentage of contracts to small businesses, particularly those in the counties, to help them grow and thrive.

Ngafuan further elaborated, stating,

 “As we continue with public procurement reforms, we should explore ways to incentivize procurement at the county level with some flexibility while ensuring necessary controls are in place.”

 

The Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system is a digital platform used by governments to manage and streamline the procurement of goods, services, and works.

 

 It replaces traditional paper-based procurement processes with electronic tools that allow for online interaction between government agencies and suppliers.

 

 This system aims to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public procurement.