As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of nationhood, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape delivered a keynote address urging leaders and citizens to prioritise accountability, transparency, and tangible results in public service.
Reflecting on half a century of nationhood, Marape acknowledged both achievements and shortcomings, noting that despite K214 billion passing through government budgets between 2013 and 2024, key indicators such as the Human Development Index and infrastructure development have lagged behind expectations. He highlighted persistent gaps in law and order, service delivery, and monitoring, framing these challenges as a collective responsibility of leaders and public servants.
Citing the words of PNG’s founding father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Marape emphasised the enduring principle that public resources must benefit the majority, not a privileged few. He stressed that the National Monitoring and Coordinating Authority (NMCA) will be central to closing the accountability gap, providing real-time oversight, independent audits, and coordination with existing oversight bodies. Independent firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, will be engaged to ensure that every kina allocated translates into measurable outcomes.
Marape also drew lessons from development successes in Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia, arguing that discipline, integrity, and unity of purpose are critical to accelerating progress. He urged political leaders and public officials to focus on national growth rather than personal gain, noting that long-term prosperity requires a culture of results, where budgets are fully aligned with Medium-Term Development Plans and public projects deliver tangible benefits.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister called for collective responsibility from leaders and citizens alike, emphasising that the next chapter of PNG’s history depends on accountability, efficient governance, and inclusive development. He framed this vision as both a moral obligation and a practical necessity to ensure that the nation’s 50-year milestone becomes a platform for sustainable growth.