MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, is at the center of a growing controversy following his acknowledgment of being voted “Minister of the Year” by callers on the popular OK FM program OK Conversation. The show, hosted by Julius Jeh, invited callers on December 23, 2024, to select their best-performing government minister. Ngafuan’s subsequent expression of gratitude on his Facebook page has sparked criticism from various quarters.
In his post, Minister Ngafuan expressed humility and gratitude, writing: “The host of OK FM/OK TV Afternoon Conversation, Mr. Julius Jeh, informed me earlier today that I was voted MINISTER OF THE YEAR by callers who participated in a live poll conducted during yesterday’s (December 24, 2024) edition of the program. I bow in humble gratitude and wish a Merry Christmas to all Liberians and friends of Liberia.”
However, this seemingly innocuous post has drawn sharp criticism. Journalist and former talk-show host Matthew Nyanplu dismissed the legitimacy of the poll, suggesting it was inherently flawed and potentially manipulated. Nyanplu detailed how such opinion polls could be skewed, asserting that callers with direct access to talk-show hosts’ private lines often dominate the airwaves, leaving the general public underrepresented.
“Talk-show opinion polls are not a credible representation of public sentiment,” Nyanplu stated. “A government official could easily arrange a poll with the host to ensure favorable outcomes. This is why such polls lack integrity and should not be used to impose a positive rating on officials.”
Nyanplu’s critique extended to allegations of “talk-show opinion poll tyranny,” emphasizing that public perception surveys must be conducted through impartial, representative methodologies rather than manipulated live call-ins. He cited the example of Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), suggesting they would better understand research bias and data skewness.
In response, Julius Jeh, the host of OK Conversation, issued a robust defense, dismissing Nyanplu’s claims as misleading and unwarranted. Jeh explained that the poll was caller-driven, with participants spontaneously nominating and voting for officials without prior notification. “The video is available on OK FM’s page for verification. None of the winners, including Minister Ngafuan, had prior knowledge of the poll, nor did we use personal numbers for local calls,” Jeh clarified.
Jeh accused Nyanplu of tarnishing his character to score political points, reminding him of their previous professional collaborations. “You and I worked together before. If anyone should vouch for my integrity, it should be you,” Jeh noted. “Unlike you, I refuse to indulge in untoward practices as a talk-show host.”
Adding to the criticism, Atty. Isaac Jackson, a former Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism, accused Ngafuan of self-aggrandizement. Jackson labeled the Minister’s acknowledgment post as “palpable nonsense,” suggesting that the callers were merely “brainless brigade members” of the ruling Unity Party paid to boost Ngafuan’s image.
Jackson criticized Ngafuan’s priorities, questioning how he could celebrate personal accolades amid unresolved issues plaguing his ministry. “The National Budget lacks transparency and was not thoroughly debated. How is Minister Ngafuan not bothered by this or the fact that Christmas feels like a funeral for ordinary Liberians?” Jackson argued.
The Finance Minister’s critics argue that his celebration of the award is tone-deaf, given Liberia’s economic challenges. The country’s financial landscape, marred by allegations of poor governance and a controversial national budget process, remains a source of public frustration.
Despite the heated criticisms, Ngafuan has not directly addressed the criticism. His acknowledgment post remains on his Facebook page, where it has attracted both praise and condemnation. Supporters view his recognition as a testament to his hard work, while detractors question the process’s credibility and its implications for public trust.
Some Facebook commenters argue that the controversy highlights broader concerns about governance, public accountability, and the use of media platforms to shape political narratives in Liberia. Amos J. Kollie emphasized that government officials should prioritize substantive achievements over symbolic recognition to rebuild public confidence.
Bryant K. Jarkollie noted that the ongoing debate raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of public officials and media practitioners in fostering genuine public discourse. According to Jarkollie, the title of “Minister of the Year” has become a contentious symbol, reflecting not only Minister Ngafuan’s performance but also the difficulties of public perception in Liberia.
