The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liberia denied accusations from Steve Flahn Paye, regarding interference in Japanese-funded projects. Paye alleged that Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti attempted to bypass the Secretariat managing these funds. The ministry issued responses, stating that the allegations are misleading and outlined new distribution measures for Japanese rice aid to ensure efficiency and transparency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia has refuted claims of interfering with operations of the Secretariat overseeing Japanese-funded projects. Coordinator Steve Flahn Paye, in statements made on OK FM, accused Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of attempting to undermine the Secretariat’s role in managing these initiatives, a claim the ministry denies.
The establishment of the Secretariat stemmed from a General Auditing Commission report that revealed corruption in seven Japan-funded projects, which implicated several past officials. The Secretariat’s creation was aimed at improving oversight and ensuring effective fund management instead of allowing diverse ministries to operate independently.
Paye expressed concerns during his OK FM appearance, alleging that Minister Nyanti sought to have the Japanese government bypass the Secretariat. He has been overseeing Japanese programs since 2009 and was placed in the Foreign Ministry to ensure expertise in management. Furthermore, he claimed that Minister Nyanti indicated communications should go through the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, but this was rejected by the Japanese Ambassador.
In response, Assistant Minister for Public Affairs Saywhar Gbaa issued a statement labeling Paye’s claims as “misleading.” The ministry also referenced a letter from Japanese Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi, dated March 11, 2025. The letter cautioned Paye about making comments that misrepresent Japan’s position.
Additionally, the Foreign Ministry announced new protocols from the Japan Rice Aid Steering Committee. Various ministries will collaborate to oversee rice donations from Japan, with Fouta Corporation, Northwest Commodities, and United Commodities Inc. authorized to manage sale and distribution. The retail price for rice is set at $16.50 per bag, ensuring that the distribution maintains transparency and efficiency, with the government price for distributors holding at $11.80.
The Liberia Foreign Ministry’s reaffirmation of its role in managing Japanese-funded projects underscores the importance of proper oversight following allegations of interference. Steve Paye’s claims have been publicly challenged, with the Japanese Embassy reiterating its neutrality in Liberian affairs. New measures in the rice aid distribution aim to enhance transparency, indicating a structured approach to international cooperation.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
