Agriculture Minister Refutes Corruption Allegations, Accuses CDC-Led Government of Misapplying US$115M on Roads projects

By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Senior Reporter

Monrovia, Liberia – Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has strongly dismissed allegations of corruption within the ministry of Agriculture, instead shifting focus on what he describes as the misapplication of funds by the previous Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led government.

Speaking during the Ministry of information regular Thursday Press briefing in Monrovia, the minister rejected claims that his administration had mismanaged resources meant for the country’s agricultural development. He emphasized that his ministry remains committed to transparency and accountability in handling public funds.

For days now, Senator Nathaniel Mcgail of Margibi County has been alarming over misapplication of Agricultural donor funds in the tone of US$200M by the current leadership of the Ministry under Dr. Nuetah, demanding him to account for funds received by world bank sponsorship.

However, in a counter-accusation, the minister revealed that a staggering US$115 million, originally allocated for agricultural projects , was instead diverted to a roads construction initiative under the previous administration, He argued that the misuse of these funds significantly hampered agricultural productivity and food security efforts. Minister Nuetah informed the press that there’s an audit report which suggest to these misapplications under his predecessor who willingly approved the expenditures of these funds by the Ministry of Public Works for government roads projects.

The Ministry of Agriculture has two donors projects, the Star project worth US$48M and the Re-Trap project worth US$ 160M amounting to the total of US$ 208M intended purposely for Agricultural activities, instead, was used differently on roads projects, contrary to what the funds were donated. At of the US$208M, Minster Nuetah disclosed that US$115M was used on roads projects, making it to suggest the misapplication of donor funds. Dr. Nuetah further stated though government is continuity, but new Leadership can’t be held accountable for the misapplication of funds that were carried out by the then CDC administration, wherein, Senator Nathaniel Mcgail was serving as Minister of State of Presidential Affairs.

“The misapplication of such a huge amount meant to boost the agricultural sector is deeply concerning,” the minister stated. “Had those funds been used appropriately, Liberia’s farmers would have benefited greatly, and our nation would have made significant strides toward self-sufficiency in food production.” He stated.

The CDC-led government, which governed Liberia from 2018- 2023, constructed some infrastructure development, particularly road construction. However, it is justified that this came at the expense of other vital sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.

In response to the minister’s claims, officials from the former administration are yet to deny any wrongdoing, making citizens to believe that all those funds were used in accordance with national priorities. Minister Nuetah challenged the CDC administration to disassociate itself from these claims as there is documented evidence of the alleged misapplication.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry has pledged to work closely with international partners and local stakeholders to ensure that future funds allocated for the sector are effectively utilized to benefit Liberian farmers.

Notwithstanding, Minister Nuetah assures the government continued commitment to sustaining and renegotiating on other agricultural projects as many agricultural projects under government funding and donor funds are being implemented as means of aiding local farmers across Liberia with the necessary financial and logistical support in farming production.

As part of those specific road projects that benefited from US$115M intended for Agricultural activities, Minister Nuetah pointed to the Ganta to Saclapea route, Zwedre to Fishtown route and as well as other community roads within Monsterrado county.