Authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture is facing intense scrutiny following revelations that US$200 million in donor funds meant for Liberia’s agricultural sector have ‘disappeared.’
The controversy emerged after Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County (sanctioned) disclosed that the funds, provided by the World Bank and other international partners, were intended to revitalize agriculture.
On the contrary, he said, the monies have seemingly vanished without any trace.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Muetah attempts to justify the missing funds has only fueled public skepticism.
During an April 3, 2025, press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Mueteh claimed that a significant portion of the money had been used by the previous CDC administration for unrelated projects, including road construction between Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties.
Critics have condemned this explanation, arguing that the funds were specifically allocated for agricultural development, not infrastructure.
With Liberia’s food security crisis worsening as farmers struggle, many citizens are calling for a full audit of the ministry’s financial records.
Despite these allegations, the Ministry continues to highlight its supposed achievements that include the approval of 23 grants under the Liberia Agriculture Commercialization Fund (LACF).
The initiative, supported by the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is designed to assist smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. However, concerns persist about the transparency of the grant allocation process.
Government insiders have pointed accusing fingers at potential corruption within the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which oversees the grants.
Allegations of favoritism and lack of oversight have raised fears that the funds may have never reached their intended beneficiaries.
Although grant recipients are expected to receive between US$15,000 and US$200,000 each, some critics suspect that portions of these funds could have been misappropriated.
As public demands for an independent audit grow louder, the critical question remains as to who is responsible for the missing millions, and will anyone be held accountable?
With Liberia’s agricultural sector in dire need of real support, the unfolding scandal at the ministry has left many wondering whether the nation’s farmers will ever receive the assistance they desperately need to improve the sector.
Dr. Nuetah has meanwhile strongly denied accusations of financial mismanagement, clarifying that most of the US$200 million in project funds were allocated to road construction projects under the Ministry of Public Works.
At a recent press conference, Dr. Nuetah outlined the details of two major World Bank-funded initiatives; namely: the STAR Project and the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP.)
STAR Project Approved in 2019 with a value of US$48M received an additional US$28M from the World Bank.
The previous government redirected US$10.5M for interventions involving the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The remaining funds supported smallholder farmers in agribusiness initiatives RETRAP Project, total financing: US$170M initial allocation.
According Nuetah, US$55M and US$30M designated for a 40-kilometer road from Tappita to Toe Town in Nimba County, managed by the Ministry of Public Works.
Additional US$150M later approved, with US$85M allocated for a road linking Tappita and Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.
Total infrastructure spending: US$115M out of US$170M.
Dr. Nuetah explained that the World Bank halted funding pending an environmental and biodiversity impact study after elephant footprints were discovered along the construction corridor.
“World Bank consultants recommended a biodiversity study to assess the impact of the road on wildlife.
This assessment has delayed the release of US$150M, but once completed, the funds will be made available for the construction,” he said.
Om the accusations that the ministry’s funds were being funneled to government officials, senators and directors, Nuetah firmly denied any wrongdoing.
He said that the current administration, which took office in January, 2024, has not approved or disbursed any new agricultural grants.
“Instead, ongoing disbursements stem from agreements signed between 2020 and 2023 under the previous government.”
He reassured the public that all grant applications undergo rigorous independent vetting, overseen by the Liberia Agriculture Commercialization Fund and the Facility Advisory Committee (FAC).
“No individual or government official has the power to award funds to their friends. Applicants have to go through a strict evaluation before receiving any support,” Dr. Nuetah.
He the urged the public to verify financial records with the Ministry of Public Works and the World Bank, reaffirming that the Agriculture Ministry has no control over road construction funds.
Nuetah has meanwhile reaffirmed government’s commitment to accountability and transparency, calling on stakeholders to rely on factual information rather than speculations. By Amos Harris