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MONROVIA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed allegations that it is interfering in the operations of the Secretariat managing Japanese government-funded projects in Liberia.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
Appearing on OK FM, Steve Flahn Paye, Coordinator of the Secretariat, accused Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of attempting to sideline the Secretariat’s role in implementing Japanese-sponsored programs.
The Secretariat was established following a General Auditing Commission (GAC) report exposing corruption in seven Japan-funded projects, implicating several former officials. To ensure better oversight, the Secretariat was created to manage the funds instead of allowing individual ministries and agencies to implement projects independently.
Paye’s Allegations
During his appearance on OK FM’s Morning Rush Show on Monday, Paye alleged that Minister Nyanti had asked the Japanese government, through its embassy, to bypass the Secretariat.
“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. So, Japan and Liberia needed someone with the expertise, and I was asked to move to Foreign Affairs,” Paye explained.
He further claimed, “We have been experiencing unprecedented interference under Minister Nyanti. They wrote the Japanese Embassy stating that all engagements should go through the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration.”
According to Paye, the Japanese Ambassador rejected this request, reaffirming Japan’s satisfaction with the Secretariat’s management.
Foreign Ministry’s Response
In a statement issued by Assistant Minister for Public Affairs Saywhar Gbaa, the Foreign Ministry dismissed Paye’s allegations as “misleading.”
The ministry cited a communication from Japanese Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi, dated March 11, 2025, warning Paye against making statements that misrepresent Japan’s position.
“The Embassy of Japan remains neutral on Liberia’s internal affairs. It is problematic that you made public statements referencing my predecessor without prior consultation with the Japanese Embassy. Furthermore, claims that Japan is considering terminating the KR Food Assistance Program are false. Such misleading remarks negatively impact Japan’s reputation and trust in Liberia. I urge you to refrain from making further misleading comments,” the letter stated.
New Measures for Japan’s Rice Aid Program
The Foreign Ministry also announced new measures introduced by the Japan Rice Aid Steering Committee, which includes the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, State, Finance, Commerce, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment.
Under the new regulations, Fouta Corporation, Northwest Commodities, and United Commodities Inc. will handle the sale and distribution of Japanese rice donations. The wholesale price is set at US$15.75, while the retail price will be US$16.50 per bag. The Government of Liberia’s price to distributors remains US$11.80.
The ministry emphasized that these measures are aimed at ensuring transparency and efficiency in distributing Japan’s food assistance to Liberia.