MONROVIA, Oct. 23 -- Stephen M. Yekeson Jr. told senators Wednesday that he wants to be "judged by what is delivered." His confirmation statement gives the Senate one promise it can test within 100 days, and many more it cannot.

By Rodney D Sieh

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, the acting Commerce and Industry Minister set out a vision to have Liberia "produce more of what Liberia consumes" by 2029. He pledged to protect consumers, enforce Liberian-only business sectors and cut the cost of moving goods "between the ship and the shop."

His firmest commitment: within 100 days, the ministry will publish weekly prices for rice, fuel and cement in all 15 counties. Beyond that, the statement leans on verbs such...