By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, June 3 (LINA) – The Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Ngafuan has commended the women of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for their dedication, professionalism, and selfless service to Liberia, calling them “women of value, virtue, and strength.”
At the Mother’s Day program hosted by the Ministry’s women’s organization, held over the weekend on May 22, 2026, Minister Ngafuan thanked God and described the event as a celebration of resilience, service, and womanhood.
He gave special recognition to keynote speaker Leymah Gbowee, calling her a global inspiration whose journey embodies perseverance, humility, and excellence.
“Leymah Gbowee inspires not just Liberia, but Africa and the entire world,” Ngafuan said. “She rose from humble beginnings and personal hardship to become a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, author, thinker, and respected international voice for peace and humanity.”
The Minister shared his long-held admiration for Gbowee’s work and recalled their past interactions, including her appearance at a poetry event he sponsored in 2011.
He also spoke about how her writings, especially “The Little Book of Mother’s Prayers”, have influenced him.
He reflected on the vital role of mothers and prayer in shaping lives and holding families and nations together. Sharing personal experiences, he said his mother’s prayers and guidance helped him through difficult moments in both life and his career.
“I can speak to the power of a mother’s prayer,” he said. “Many of the opportunities I’ve had and the dangers I’ve avoided came because of the prayers and sacrifices of mothers.”
Ngafuan also took time to acknowledge the “unsung heroes” within the Ministry—particularly the women and mothers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the country running.
He pointed to the heavy demands of the national budget process, noting that many staff, especially women, work late into the night under intense pressure to meet constitutional deadlines.
“These women often leave their children and families for weeks to answer the call of the nation,” he said. “Their sacrifices go largely unseen and unappreciated, yet they are critical to keeping Liberia functioning.”
He shared a moving account of a female staff member whose health suffered due to the strain and exhaustion of extended work during the budget period.
“When I learned what she endured in service to the country, it moved me deeply,” he said. “These are the kinds of occupational hazards many public servants face while working for Liberia.”
Minister Ngafuan urged Ministry employees to continue serving with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of national duty, reminding them that their work directly affects the lives of ordinary Liberians.
“We are entrusted with the nation’s resources,” he said. “What we do or fail to do determines whether citizens get healthcare, education, and other essential services.”
He encouraged the Ministry’s women to balance self-care with national service and stressed the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility.
“The spirit of motherhood means caring beyond your immediate assignment,” he said. “It means stepping up to solve problems because you know that people’s lives depend on the decisions we make every day.”
Ngafuan also praised the Ministry’s women’s organization for consistently putting together meaningful and inspiring programs. He recognized past events featuring prominent national leaders and said he looks forward to future engagements.
“This Ministry should remain a space for learning and inspiration,” he said. “The wisdom shared in these conversations can transform lives and strengthen our institutions.”
He congratulated the leadership and staff of the Budget and Planning Department, with special recognition for the women professionals who continue to excel in Liberia’s budgeting and public financial management fields.
The MFDP official noted with pride that women make up the majority of the Ministry’s technical budget team and commended their competence and leadership.
“To every woman here today, whether you’re being formally honored or not, you are honorable,” Ngafuan stressed.
“Your work, sacrifice, and commitment to Liberia matter deeply, and this nation is better because of your service.”