The new Country Manager of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr. Benedict Sorie Kanu has stressed that during his tour of duty in Liberia, he will exert all efforts in strengthening the relationship between the bank and the Liberian Government to ensure that the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PADP) achieve its objective under President George Manneh Weah administration, “thanks for supporting our candidature, without which I will not be sitting here, we are here to serve you, we are here to ensure that the government’s vision is achieved”.
“The bank is in the middle of developing a new strategy for Liberia – a business plan. I’ve heard your kind guidance and direction. I will be listening to you and your colleagues during my tenure to tailor our interventions, specifically to address issues that are very important to this country,” Mr. Kanu said.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, Mr. Kanu made these remarks on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he presented his Letters of Accreditation to Foreign Minister, Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. He replaces Mr. Orison Amu who ended his tour of duty in Liberia recently.
Mr. Kanu stressed that Liberia played a pivotal role in the establishment of the ADB in 1964; as such, the country is dear to the bank and it will continue to enjoy very strong relations. The new AfDB Country Manager said he was looking forward to working with the Government to move the country’s development agenda forward.
The new Country Manager extended best wishes to the Government and people of Liberia on behalf of the president of the AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
Foreign Minister Kemayah welcomed Mr. Kanu to Liberia said the Government was pleased with his selection based on the confidence reposed in him by the AfDB president, Dr. Adesina.
The Dean of the Cabinet stressed the excellent relations Liberia has with the bank and hoped that during his tenure, he will strengthen the already good relationship. “You have come at a time that Liberia has forged a very close relationship with the bank and especially with your predecessor, Mr. Orison Amu.”
Minister Kemayah stressed that Mr. Amu worked in a consultative manner and brought the bank’s support in many of government’s development priority areas. He hoped that with his wealth of experience, he will continue to support those ongoing projects sponsored by the bank.
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Minister Kemayah wished him a pleasant and fulfilling assignment in Liberia and assured him that if anything that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can do to make his work easier, he should feel free to contact the Ministry.
Benedict Sorie KANU, a seasoned development professional, is a Sierra Leonean Agricultural Economist with more than 27 years of international professional experience, including designing, managing and evaluating agricultural programmes. Some 25 years of such experience was gained in serving the African Development Bank (AfDB) responsibly in various capacities spanning multiple countries and regions of Africa.
