‘’We're the Basket of Democracy’’, says Minister Tweah

Monrovia, Liberia - Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Samuel D. Tweah Jr, has said that Liberia is the “basket of democracy”, due to several reforms and new strategies implemented by the administration of President George Manner Weah.

Hon. Tweah spoke at the MICAT press briefing last Friday in Monrovia.

 “President Weah is the first man that wants to reduce his tenure from six years to four years; when other presidents are saying they want to run for third term’’ explained Minister Tweah

According to Hon. Tweah, Liberia is a democratic country that has shown an example of real change in West Africa and Africa at large. “Let them tell the story of true democratic governance Liberia has shown in the last three years plus” He averred.

He disclosed that recent engagement with Washington, was totally different, when compared to previous administrations approaches.

“One of the engagements highlights the story of black slaves from America to Africa, especially settling down in Liberia, that should be told in the American schools. Our engagement was in the context of bigger and larger purposes realigning new strategies and programs, rather than just propaganda or politics”, he explained.

He noted that Liberia under President Weah administration has “ascertained” the right to be the fifty first states in the United States of America. “We are going there, we are also politically engaging with the United States, in a different way’’

When President Weah took the oath of office in January, the world was basically drawing from Liberia in terms of support saying Liberia can now manage and develop their country and capital in a better manner.

The Finance Minister indicated that the government of President Weah is now engaging the US and partners in a strategic way, because the government wants to set a new context for US-Liberia relationship.

He said the team explained a different story, and about the historical ties that exist between Washington and Monrovia.

“Imagine the strategic importance of Liberia to the United States during the second world war and we need to tell the story. We were able to solicit strong support for the second phase of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact grant, which is geared towards eliminating obstacles and reducing risks in partner countries in order to encourage business investment, accelerate economic growth and alleviate poverty”.

The tough talking Finance Minister indicated that economic recovery after the COVID-19 is positive, and that the Government is committed to broader economic and investment climate reforms, stating that projection for GDP growth now shows that growth will reach about 4 percent.

He noted that the country has been able to obtain, for the first time in ten years a substantial increase in domestic revenue generation, adding that the government and economic programs are already aligned with the Biden’s administration Africa priorities, which are heavily on democratic rights.

He said the country’s democracy is equal to America in terms of respect for term limits and fundamental freedom.

He went on to say that issues of domestic and national security, including the MCC compact, with focus on energy and the LEC, Liberia has renewed its fight against corruption. The upcoming bicentennial celebration of the free slaves will be held next year.