By Festus Poquie
Samuel Tweah, the former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, addresses the hidden achievements in Liberia’s post-war infrastructure development that occurred when the Coalition for Democratic Change controlled state power for six years.
With a focus on the legacy of former President George Weah-led CDC government, Tweah unearthed a decade-long financing agreement that will benefit future administrations in the country.
Tweah’s remarks come amidst increasing scrutiny of the current Joseph Boakai administration, which he claims is reaping the advantages of the previous government’s economic policies, particularly in road and electricity projects.
Major Road Financing Initiatives
Tweah highlighted that the Weah administration secured substantial financing for key road and electricity infrastructure projects. He stated, “All major road financing in Liberia was secured under the CDC government led by President Weah.”
He detailed long-term agreements that stretch across ten years, effectively guaranteeing that future governments will have access to these essential funds.
By March 2023, the Weah administration had hatched ambitious plans to triple the country’s national electricity capacity, increasing it from the current 88 megawatts to nearly 300 megawatts.
A $96 million financing agreement for an additional two more units at Mt Coffee and a solar plant was agreed, Tweah announced while serving as Minister of Finance and Development Planning Minister at a program Monrovia.
“This financing will result in an additional 62 MW of power being added to the existing 88 MW at Mt Coffee.
“Preparations have already started to mobilize an additional $550 million for the development of St Paul 2 Hydro power
station that will add another 148 MW to Liberia’s national grid.”
In February 2023, Liberia was amongst four West African countries that signed the World Bank’s multimillion-dollar renewable
energy project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase electricity access to millions of consumers.
Authorities from the benefiting countries Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo approved the financial agreement for the
Bank’s $311 million Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project Wednesday in Freetown.
West Africa has one of the lowest electrification rates, with 220 million people living without access, coupled with some of the highest electricity costs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Access to electricity (% of population) in Liberia is estimated at 27.53. Post war efforts to revive the hydropower plant is still wanting as the country continue to suffer power deficit.
Addressing Allegations and Misinformation
Tweah’s Friday press conference was not solely focused on infrastructure; Tweah utilized the platform to rebut what he described as a “sustained campaign of misinformation” targeting him and other former officials from the CDC.
He categorically denied any wrongdoing related to the management of the tumultuous COVID-19 Household Food Support Program, which involved $30 million in funding. Tweah clarified that these funds were transferred directly to the World Food Programme (WFP) for allocation rather than being controlled by the Liberian government.
“I present evidence that any investigation should focus on the WFP, not on me or my colleagues in the CDC government,” Tweah insisted, providing documentation to substantiate his claims.
He expressed particular frustration at media claims suggesting impending legal consequences for him regarding these funds.
Call for Political Integrity and Transparency
Tweah’s statements extended beyond personal defense. He issued a clarion call for greater integrity in political discourse and journalism. He urged the Liberian populace to stand against the culture of silence that allows misinformation to flourish.
“We must rise above trivial politics,” Tweah implored, advocating for reconciliation and honest political engagement among all Liberians. He pointed out the adverse impacts of character attacks, which he argues detract from dialogue on pressing national issues.
The ex-finance minister reaffirmed his confidence in Liberia’s judicial system. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation, vowing to utilize legal channels to clear his name.
