MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President George Weah has formally launched the Accelerated Community Development Program (ACDP).
President Weah said the program will be implemented as a partnership between the Government of Liberia, the United Nations, the World Bank, and other development partners.
He added that the initiative will be a Special Flagship Program under the Office of the President, and will be implemented for the benefit of all Liberians.
He said:” Though the initiative is coming a year before the Presidential and General Elections, it is not a political project to win votes. The work on ACDP began several years ago with feasibility study done in 2019 by Price Waterhouse Coopers.”
He also said that in 2019, the Liberian Government sent a number of high-level officials of Government to Senegal to observe and study a similar program, called the PUDC.
The Liberian Leader said government has been putting all the elements in place and mobilizing the financing to raise adequate resources needed to implement the program.
Meanwhile, President Weah has disclosed that the UNDP will serve as the implementing partner for the ACDP.
He said this is based on its strong experience and knowhow in rapidly implementing similar programs in countries such as Senegal, Togo, Gambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Liberian Chief Executive added that the program will be implemented in a transparent manner, and with the full ownership and involvement of the respective communities.
He further disclosed that he has requested the Finance Ministry to work with the UNDP, World Bank, African Development Bank, IMF, and the rest of the International Partner Community.
The Liberian Leader said:” Such collaboration is aimed at concluding financing of approximately US$100 million for the first phase of the program, which is to be implemented over the period 2022-2025.”
He also directed all Ministries and Agencies to collaborate in the implementation of the program, and channel any support necessary.
By: Naway Gumeh
