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Monrovia – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has denied allegations reported in the media regarding the misapplication of US$865,000 from the World Bank-funded Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP), calling the claims “baseless.”
By Jaheim T. tumu, [email protected]
NaFAA emphasized that such “unfounded” claims threaten and undermine the integrity of Liberia’s fisheries sector and the diligent work being done to ensure its sustainable management.
Recent media reports indicated that the funds were taken from a US$3 million allocation intended for the construction of the National headquarters of the institution under the project. The reports also claimed that an implementation support mission stated: “deviation from the original allocations as detailed in the Project Appraisal Document; Of the US$3 million originally allocated for the construction of the NaFAA headquarters, US$831,000 was spent on the procurement of six vehicles, two motorbikes, public awareness billboards, and electric generators to support the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) campaign during the recent presidential elections, reflecting a blatant misuse of project resources for political purposes.”
In a statement, NaFAA Director General Emma Glassco clarified that disbursements from the LSMFP were meticulously reviewed and approved by the World Bank. She stated, “There was no disbursement done without the explicit ‘no objection’ from the World Bank. Each transaction has been executed through the Ministry of Finance with the World Bank project office’s oversight, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
She added, “We possess comprehensive documentation to substantiate these processes, which will be made available to the public and the media.”
Addressing the US$3 million allegation, Madam Glassco confirmed that the money was initially allocated for constructing the NaFAA headquarters. She further explained that US$831,000 was spent on essential project items, including six vehicles, two motorbikes, public awareness billboards, and electric generators, stressing that the expenditure was sanctioned by the World Bank to ensure the effective implementation of the project.
Madam Glassco disclosed that the LSMFP’s implementation involves multiple layers of oversight and approval, including the World Bank, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, through the Project Financial Management Unit (PFMU), and NaFAA’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which manage the project collaboratively.
She also refuted the accusation that the purchased vehicles were used for political campaigns, highlighting that there is a plot from some individuals, current and former employees, who are perpetuating these lies to tarnish her reputation and seek her removal from office. “The annual work plan, approved by the Project Steering Committee and subject to World Bank review and approval, guides all activities. No payments are processed without the World Bank’s clearance, and the Director General has no direct involvement in fund disbursements,” she said.
She added, “This orchestrated misinformation campaign is a direct attack on the progress and transparency NaFAA has maintained under my leadership.”
Madam Glassco reiterated that the procurement of the six vehicles received the World Bank’s approval, and two of these vehicles are being used by the PIU for project activities. “All expenditures align with the project’s objectives and have been transparently managed with the World Bank’s consent. NaFAA remains committed to the sustainable management of Liberia’s fisheries resources and will continue to operate with the highest standards of transparency and accountability. We urge the public to disregard these unfounded claims and trust in the rigorous oversight mechanisms in place,” she said.