–—As LICPA Graduate 33 Certified Professional Public Sector Accountants
In what has been hailed as a transformative milestone for Liberia’s public financial management sector, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon delivered a stirring and analytical keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA), commending the country’s groundbreaking leadership in the African Professionalization Initiative (API).
Koon’s keynote address at the graduation ceremony of LICPA, where 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).
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 Liberia’s leadership in public sector professionalization.
“There 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,” 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.
“Today’s graduation is not just a celebration of academic excellence—it is a declaration of Liberia’s leadership in upholding international standards and transparency in public finance,” he emphasized.
Koon is an accountant by profession and professor, holds double master’s and a certified Public Accountant papers- He is currently a candidate for PhD.
Addressing the theme of the program, “Celebrating Excellence: Creating Value for the Public Sector,” Speaker Koon praised its relevance and inspiration, describing it as a clarion call to nationalism and a reaffirmation of the patriot’s 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 Legislature’s 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 Liberia’s 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.
“Your graduation reflects Liberia’s commitment to integrity, efficiency, and accountability. You are now guardians of public trust. We depend on you—please do not disappoint us,” 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.
Meanwhile Mr. Gabriel Y. Montgomery, Deputy Commissioner General for Technical Affairs emphasized the importance of the 36 pioneering graduates who now represent Africa’s first certified PPSAs.
DGTA Montgomery underscored the vital role the graduates will play in combating corruption, strengthening financial integrity, and upholding accountability in Liberia’s public sector. “The country is counting on you to use your new knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to help change the narrative,” he challenged the graduates.
He urged them to remain committed to integrity and transparency in managing public financial resources.
The PPSA program is part of a broader continental initiative led by the African Professionalization Initiative (API). In Liberia, it is being implemented by LICPA, in close partnership with the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).
