The Embassy of Japan in Liberia has publicly denied claims made by Stephen Flahnpaye, the Coordinator of Japanese Activities at Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an interview on March 10, 2025, Flahnpaye stated that Japan had been sending large amounts of rice to Liberia as food aid, which was then sold through a competitive bidding process to fund development projects in Liberia.
Flahnpaye in an interview with a local talk show host explained that the rice donated to Liberia by the Japanese government undergoes a specific process when sold. According to him, “When the rice is sold, the money is taken to the Central Bank, where the Internal Audit team verifies the amount of rice that was discharged. After this, the Liberian government reports to Japan on the amount accumulated from the sales.”
Following this, Flahnpaye stated, “A proposal is made for a project aimed at benefiting the poor.” He highlighted several key projects funded through this process.
One notable project was an $88,900 contribution from the Japanese Ambassador himself for SME support at the Ministry of Commerce. Additionally, a $1.9 million investment was used to build three bridges in Grand Cape Mount, while the same amount of money funded the construction of the Duala market. This funding, he emphasized, was also used for the Omega Market, which was incorrectly labeled as a “Presidential Project.”
Flahnpaye further clarified that the same funds, totaling $586 million, were allocated for the construction of 200 housing units in Saas Town, which had been referred to as the “George Weah Project,” though it was not. “The same funds also helped complete the Gbarnga City General Market, amounting to $89,000,” he added.
Looking ahead, Flahnpaye noted that the Liberian government is using the same funds to build the Liberia-Japan Road Workshop, which will cost the government $2.6 million. Another project, the Lofa Women Weaving Center, is being developed with a $600,000 investment.
He stressed that all of these initiatives are, in fact, funded by Japan, stating, “All of these projects are Japan’s contribution to Liberia.”
However, the Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Yoshimoto Hiroshi, has issued a statement in Monrovia refuting these claims. The Ambassador explained that Flahnpaye’s comments were misleading and not made in consultation with the Japanese Embassy.
He also strongly denied Flahnpaye’s suggestion that Japan was planning to end its KR Food Assistance Program, calling this claim completely false.
The Embassy stressed that Japan has always maintained a neutral position on Liberia’s internal affairs and is committed to supporting Liberia’s development. However, they urged Flahnpaye to stop spreading incorrect information, as it harms Japan’s reputation and the trust between the two countries.
The statement emphasized that Japan values its relationship with Liberia and remains committed to supporting its development efforts through accurate and honest communication.
By: Daniel Theophilus Cole/knewsonline.com
