The Ambassador of the United States of America accredited near Monrovia, Michael McCarthy, has urged the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah, not to compromise the collection of taxes, as the United States of America was built on taxpayers’ money.
Ambassador McCarthy noted that the significant investment of the United States government in Liberia is only possible because the people of the United States pay taxes. He said if it was not for the taxes they pay the US Congress and their administration would not have made the important decision to allocate resources to financially aid Liberia.
His statement was contained in his remarks made at the program marking the official dedication of the newly constructed headquarters of the National Security Agency (NSA) on Friday, April 2, 2021.
Ambassador McCarthy’s statement comes as a wake-up call to Minister Tweah not to compromise the collection of taxes, and as a reminder to the general Liberian public that they need to pay their taxes to foster the growth and development of the nation.
The Minister of States for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel F. McGill, while speaking, told the gathering that after Ambassador McCarthy made the statement, Minister Tweah whispered to him.
“Ambassador, when you called the attention of the Finance Minister about raising revenue, he whispered to me and said, ‘Mr. Minister, I want to use the cost of this building as the new benchmark for all public buildings that will be built in Liberia’.”
According to him, to erect a building like the NSA headquarters on that number of acres traditionally cost US$4—US$5 million in Liberia, but however Minister Tweah wants to change that tradition.
He noted that Minister Tweah assured the US ambassador that he will not only raise more revenue, but there will also be value for money.
Minister Tweah, who was perfectly seated in a casual dress code, only looked on and smile, as the Mayor of Monrovia, Jefferson T. Koijee, sat by him.
The coordination of remarks between Minister McGill and Minister Tweah spiced the program and conveyed the message/response of the Finance Minister to the US ambassador, as he was not listed among those making remarks during the program.
However, Minister Tweah witnessed the program to its logical conclusion, participated in the cutting of the ribbon and joined other dignitaries to tour the newly constructed facility of the National Security Agency (NSA).