Minister Konneh Raps Liberians On Importance of PRS, Launches Nationwide Awareness

Wednesday, 16th December 2009

In his efforts to continue the nationwide campaign in the creation of awareness on the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) code name Lift Liberia, the Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs, Amara Konneh on Monday, December 14,2009 had an interactive dialogue with students of the African Methodist Episcopal University ( AMEU) on their involvement in the process.

Minister Konneh told the students in his presentation that the PRS was the engine driving Liberia’s Developmental Agenda and their participation as students was highly important.

He pointed out that the fight against poverty in Liberia should be a collective task of every Liberian irrespective of political, ethnic and regional differences. He noted that the Liberian Economy had suffered a serious setback as far back as 1972. According to him, the Liberia economy collapsed during the 14-year of civil war in Liberia.

“Gone are the days when the governments decided the course of action for the people in regards to development that mostly affected their lives. We must do this thing together as a people, and we must do it now,” Minister Konneh emphasized. 
    
Speaking in detail on the history of Liberian economy and its collapse, Minister Konneh told the curious students the administration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is making progress in addressing the Liberia people concerns. However, the Planning Boss said rebuilding Liberia is going to be a long time. “Let’s be honest about it. Liberia should not be in this condition. We have to turn this country around. We should take it from the hole.”

The Planning Boss also told the students that the Poverty Reduction Strategy document was earmarked to address Liberia’s developmental objectives through programs that are enshrined within the four pillars of the Lift Liberia program.

Minister Konneh explained that for the first time, since 2005, following eight years of economic decline, 10 years of financial mismanagement and 14 years of total economic collapse totaling a -35% decline in Liberia’s economic growth possibility curve, Liberia economic has jumped at eight percent under the current administration.

According to him, Liberia now has over 1.2 billion in Gross Domestic Products (GDP), since the inception of the Ellen led Administration in 2006. He said, though the government cannot boast of an extraordinary growth in the economy, there are plans being implemented by various government ministries and agencies to meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), if not most of it but at least a reasonable potion.   

He concluded by reassuring the students to take the studies seriously as they cannot afford to be left behind in country’s development drive, because Liberia would only have space for people who are academically prepared to be on the boat to develop the country. 
  
The Liberian Government official on Friday launched his “Taking PRS to the People” campaign at the Stella Maris Polytechnic University. In a packed auditorium, Minister Konneh challenged the students to help propagate the PRS document and ensure that the public understands Liberia’s development agenda under the LiftLiberia programs.

Minister Konneh will continue his awareness campaign in and around the capital throughout this month. He is expected to address an enthusiastic gathering in the sinkor community yesterday.

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