The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liberia denied allegations of interfering with the Secretariat managing Japanese-funded projects. Steve Flahn Paye accused Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of attempting to bypass the Secretariat, while the ministry labeled these claims as misleading. In addition, new measures for the distribution of Japanese rice aid have been introduced to enhance transparency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liberia has rejected accusations of interference in the Secretariat responsible for managing Japanese government-funded projects. This response follows claims made by Steve Flahn Paye, the Secretariat’s Coordinator, who alleged that Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti is attempting to marginalize the Secretariat’s role in these programs.
The Secretariat was established in response to a General Auditing Commission report that revealed corruption in multiple Japan-funded projects. This body was formed to oversee these funds more effectively, rather than allowing individual ministries to manage projects independently. Paye claimed that Minister Nyanti had pressured the Japanese government to bypass the Secretariat in favor of the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration.
Paye further asserted that since taking charge of Japanese programs in 2009, he has faced unprecedented interference under Minister Nyanti. He stated that a request was made from the Ministry to the Japanese Embassy, suggesting all engagements should route through the Deputy Minister. However, the Japanese Ambassador reportedly dismissed this request, affirming confidence in the Secretariat’s management.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled Paye’s claims as “misleading” in a statement issued by Assistant Minister Saywhar Gbaa. The ministry cited a communication from Japanese Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi that warned against misrepresenting Japan’s stance on internal affairs in Liberia, calling for careful consideration before making public statements.
The Foreign Ministry also introduced new guidelines for Japan’s Rice Aid Program, now regulated by a steering committee which includes various Liberian ministries and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission. This initiative seeks to streamline the sale and distribution of Japanese rice donations, with set prices for wholesale and retail sales to ensure transparency, thus improving the efficiency of food assistance distribution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liberia has firmly dismissed claims of interference in the Secretariat handling Japanese projects, following allegations by the Secretariat’s Coordinator. The ministry reiterated Japan’s neutrality regarding Liberia’s affairs and outlined new measures for managing Japanese rice aid to ensure transparency and efficiency. These developments highlight the ongoing effort to maintain proper oversight of international assistance in Liberia.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
