Liberia’s Foreign Ministry Denies Allegations of Interference in…

The Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected accusations of interference in Japanese-funded projects, made by the Secretariat’s Coordinator, Steve Flahn Paye. The allegations follow a report on corruption, leading to the establishment of the Secretariat for better oversight. The Foreign Ministry termed the claims misleading and emphasized new measures to ensure efficient distribution of Japanese rice donations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia has rebuffed allegations of interference in the management of Japanese government-funded projects. Steve Flahn Paye, the Coordinator of the Secretariat supervising these projects, accused Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of attempting to undermine the Secretariat’s authority in implementing programs funded by Japan.

The Secretariat was established after a General Auditing Commission report revealed corruption in seven projects funded by Japan, implicating several former officials. Its creation was aimed at providing better oversight of funds, moving away from a system where individual ministries operated independently.

During an appearance on OK FM, Paye claimed that Minister Nyanti had requested the Japanese government to bypass the Secretariat. He remarked, “Since 2009, I have managed Japanese programs… the decision was made to house the Secretariat at the Foreign Ministry, but monetization and project implementation are not Foreign Affairs’ responsibilities.” He alleged that unprecedented interference had been observed under Nyanti’s tenure.

In response, the Foreign Ministry characterized Paye’s statements as misleading. Assistant Minister Saywhar Gbaa referenced a letter from Japanese Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi, which cautioned Paye against remarks that misrepresent Japan’s stance. The embassy clarified, “The Embassy of Japan remains neutral on Liberia’s internal affairs,” and expressed concern over potential damage to Japan’s reputation due to misleading statements.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry discussed new regulations instituted by the Japan Rice Aid Steering Committee aimed at improving the distribution of Japanese rice donations in Liberia. These regulations involve various governmental bodies and outline procedures for managing the sale and distribution of rice, with set prices established to ensure transparency and efficiency in aid distribution.

In summary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied claims of interference in Japanese-funded programs and relates the establishment of the Secretariat to ongoing efforts to combat corruption. While allegations made by Steve Flahn Paye raise concerns about the Secretariat’s role, the Ministry’s response emphasizes Japan’s neutral stance in Liberia’s internal affairs. New measures to enhance transparency in the distribution of Japanese rice aid illustrate the government’s commitment to effective collaboration with its international partners.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com