โฆโฆEmphasizes Public Sector Integrity and National Duty
Speaker of the House of Representatives,ย Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, on Friday,ย delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony of theย Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA), where overย 33 Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants (PPSAs)ย includingย Margibi County Electoral District 5 Representative Clarenceย Gahrย were conferred with certificates under theย African Professionalization Initiative (API).
Delivering his remarks, Speaker Koon,expressed deep appreciation to the LICPA for the honor of selecting him as keynote speaker among many other seasoned professionals. He congratulated 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.
Speaker Koon proudly announced that Liberia has become the first country in Africa to graduate a full cohort of Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants under the API, describing the achievement as a historic moment that places Liberia at the forefront of professional public financial management on the continent.
โTodayโs graduation is not just a celebration of academic excellenceโit is a declaration of Liberiaโs leadership in upholding international standards and transparency in public finance,โ he emphasized.
Koon an accountant by profession and a professor, holds double masters and a certified Public Accountant papers- He 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 aims to empower Liberians to obtain globally recognized certifications such as ACCA, CIA, and CFE, advancing Liberiaโs standing in the global professional community.
In his final charge to the graduates, Speaker Koon emphasized their 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. We depend on youโplease do not disappoint us,โ Speaker Koon concluded.
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.
