The Speaker of the 55th National Legislature Richard Nagbe Koon has described as historic achievement, Liberiaโs advancement as the first Country in Africa to graduate a full cohort of Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants under the African Professionalization Initiative, API.
According to him, the moment places Liberia at the forefront of professional public financial management on the continent.
Delivering his keynote address at the graduation ceremong of the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Speaker Koon told the gathering that graduation is not just a celebration of academic excellence rather ,it is a declaration of Liberiaโs leadership in upholding international standards and transparency in public finance.
Koon an accountant by profession and a professor, holds double masters and a certified Public Accountant papers and is currently a candidate for PhD.
Addressing the theme of the program, โCelebrating Excellence: Creating Value for the Public Sector,โ Speaker Koon praised its relevance and inspiration, describing it as a clarion call to nationalism and a reaffirmation of the patriotโs creed.
He thanked the professors, lecturers, and professionals who contributed to the training of the graduates, acknowledging their efforts in elevating accountancy in Liberia.
Reaffirming the Legislatureโs commitment to capacity building and accountability, Speaker Koon highlighted the recent launch of the KouFA Professional Training Program and Testing Center, a collaborative effort with the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU).
The initiative among other things aims to empower Liberians to obtain globally recognized certifications such as ACCA, CIA, and CFE, advancing Liberiaโs standing in the global professional community.
Speaker Koon at the same time emphasized the graduates key role in fostering accountability, integrity, and transparency in the public sector.
He urged them to see themselves as frontline defenders against corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
โYour graduation reflects Liberiaโs commitment to integrity, efficiency, and accountability.
You are now guardians of public trust and we depend on you, so please do not disappoint us,โ Speaker Koon reemphasized.
He used the ocassion to congratulate the graduates for their commitment and successful completion of the rigorous training program, while commending LICPA and its partners for contributing to Liberiaโs leadership in public sector professionalization.
โThere are many certified public accountants in high places in government and private institutions, yet you preferred us, We appreciate your preference and celebrate this milestone with you,โ the Speaker said.
The LICPA graduation ceremony brought together senior government officials, professional accountants, international partners, and family members of the graduates in celebration of a new era in public sector accounting and governance in Liberia.
At the end of the ceremony over 33 Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants (PPSAs) including Margibi County Electoral District 5 Representative Clarence Gahr were conferred with certificates under the African Professionalization Initiative (API).
