-Amid Misuse Allegations
By Vaue A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has presented detailed financial records to counter allegations of mismanagement, revealing that 68% of $200 million in World Bank agricultural development funds were actually allocated to road infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Public Works.
Minister Nuetah held an unprecedented documentation-backed press conference to explain the controversial allocations. He mentioned the STAR Project, Original 2019 budget: $48 million, Additional funding: $28 million, $10.5 million redirected by previous administration to WFP and EPA programs
and Remaining $65.5 million directly supported smallholder farmers
He further referenced the RETRAP Project with Total funding of $170 million, Initial $55 million allocation included $30 million for Tappita-Toe Town road, Subsequent $150 million approval earmarked $85 million for Tappita-Zwedru corridor and Combined infrastructure spending: $115 million (67.6% of total)
Environmental Study Halts Disbursement
The minister disclosed that World Bank consultants suspended the $150 million RETRAP tranche after discovering elephant migration routes along the planned Tappita-Zwedru road.
“International protocols required a biodiversity impact assessment,” Nuetah explained. “This is standard practice for World Bank projects, not an indictment of our processes. The funds will be released once studies confirm minimal ecological disruption.”
Addressing circulating rumors of political favoritism in fund distribution, the minister presented signed grant agreements dating back to 2020:
“Every dollar disbursed in 2024 reflects commitments made by the prior administration. Our government has approved zero new agricultural grants since taking office,” he asserted.
The minister outlined the rigorous approval chain:
1) Liberia Agriculture Commercialization Fund technical review
2) Facility Advisory Committee evaluation
3) World Bank oversight compliance checks
“Not even the President can bypass these safeguards,” Nuetah emphasized, inviting auditors to examine transaction records at both the Agriculture and Public Works ministries.
The breakdown shows: $115 million (57.5%) of total funds dedicated to road construction and Only $85 million (42.5%) directly supporting farming initiatives
“These infrastructure investments are critical for market access,” the minister defended. “Farmers need roads to transport goods before we can discuss value addition.”
Nuetah concluded with an appeal for evidence-based criticism: “We welcome scrutiny, but it must focus on verified facts. The Ministry of Public Works manages road funds, while we administer farmer support programs. Confusing these streams fuels misinformation.”
The World Bank Liberia office confirmed receiving the environmental assessment report last week, with a funding decision expected by June 2025.
