The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia has rejected allegations of interference in Japanese-funded projects, as accused by Secretariat Coordinator Steve Paye. The ministry emphasized Japan’s neutrality and announced new measures to enhance transparency in the distribution of Japanese rice donations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liberia has refuted claims of interference in the management of Japanese government-funded projects. Coordinator Steve Flahn Paye of the Secretariat, established to oversee these projects, accused Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of circumventing the Secretariat’s role. This Secretariat was formed after a report by the General Auditing Commission revealed corruption in several Japan-funded initiatives involving former officials.
Paye claimed that Minister Nyanti allegedly requested the Japanese embassy to eliminate the Secretariat from project discussions. He voiced concerns during an OK FM interview, stating that, since 2009, he has been responsible for managing Japanese programs and that the Secretariat was established at the Foreign Ministry purely for oversight. He further alleged that Minister Nyanti instructed the Japanese Embassy that any matters should be directed through the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, a request that was reportedly declined by the Japanese Ambassador.
The Foreign Ministry issued a statement through Assistant Minister for Public Affairs, Saywhar Gbaa, labeling Paye’s allegations as “misleading.” The ministry referenced a communication from Japanese Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi, which cautioned against statements that misrepresent Japan’s standpoint and clarified Japan’s neutrality regarding Liberia’s domestic matters. The letter further rebuked claims about a potential cancellation of the KR Food Assistance Program, emphasizing the negative implications of such remarks on Japan’s reputation.
Additionally, the Foreign Ministry announced new initiatives under the Japan Rice Aid Steering Committee to enhance transparency in distributing Japanese rice donations. Key players involved in the distribution include Fouta Corporation, Northwest Commodities, and United Commodities Inc., with established pricing for both wholesale and retail sales. The Government of Liberia’s price for distributors stands at $11.80, while the wholesale price is set at $15.75 and the retail price at $16.50 per bag, aiming to ensure efficient distribution of food assistance to Liberia.
In summary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liberia has denied accusations of interfering with the Secretariat responsible for managing Japanese-funded projects. The ministry’s rebuttal highlights a communication from the Japanese Ambassador, asserting Japan’s neutral stance on Liberia’s issues. New measures have been announced aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of Japan’s food assistance programs in Liberia, which underscores the government’s commitment to proper oversight in collaboration with Japan.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
