The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has uncovered significant irregularities and mismanagement within the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), raising serious concerns about the stewardship of public funds intended to boost Liberia’s rural economy.
The GAC audit report released on July 8, 2025, covers activities up to the end of 2024, detailing multiple instances of waste, poor project execution, and inadequate financial controls by key project personnel, including experts such as J. Alexander Nuetah, PhD, and Henrique Nea Urey, CA, CISA CPA.
Key Personnel of the Project
During the period under audit the following personnel managed the affairs of the STAR-P
Names: J. Alexander Nuetah, PHD, Minister of Agriculture 2024-present, Galah Toto, National Project Coordinator, 2022-present, Tarnue Jeke, Operation Manager, 2022-present, Henrique Nea Urey, CA, CISA CРА, Financial Management Specialist, 2024-present, Clark D. Geddeh, Project Accountant, 2022-present, Dean E. Kulah, Procurement Officer, 2022-present, Albert Harris, M&E Officer, 2022-present, and G. Moses Zolue, Project Agronomist, 2022-present.
Incomplete and Abandoned Infrastructure Projects
Central to the audit findings are the failed constructions of mechanization centers in Lofa and Nimba counties.
Infrastructure & Procurement Consultant Liberia Limited was contracted to build two mechanization centers in Lofa at a cost of over US$338,000.
Despite receiving 73% of the contract payment by year-end, no progress was observed at the Foyah site, which had been completely abandoned, while the Voinjama center remained unfinished.
Similarly, MOABEL awarded nearly US$388,000 to construct three mechanization centers across Nimba, Bong, and Bomi counties, had completed only the Bong center by December 2024 after receiving 76% of the contract payment.
The absence of oversight and follow-through on these critical rural infrastructure projects threatens to derail the broader economic transformation goals.
Questionable Payments and Missing Documentation
The GAC latest audit report also highlights suspicious expenditures and poor financial management.
Payments totaling US$36,079.31 were made to Oracle Corporation UK Limited and Softype Inc. for financial reporting software and subscriptions. Yet, auditors found no evidence of a functional financial reporting system or corresponding IT service management activities in 2024.
Even more troubling is the discovery of over US$140,000 in expenses lacking proper supporting documentation-such as receipts or delivery notes-undermining transparency and accountability.
Asset Management and Insurance Lapses
RETRAP’s asset procurement process also came under scrutiny. Assets valued at approximately US$99,000, including harvesting equipment, vehicles, and production machinery, were acquired without a comprehensive fixed asset register or proof of insurance.
This exposes the project’s physical resources to risks of loss or misappropriation.
Discrepancies in Financial Reporting
The audit found significant inconsistencies in RETRAP’s financial statements.
A total cash receipt amounting to US$606,837 was not disclosed either on the face or within the notes of the financial statements, violating International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
The GAC recommended management adjusts the financial reports to include detailed bank account balances and submit the corrected statements to the Auditor General’s office.
Management’s Response
RETRAP management acknowledged the challenges identified but emphasized ongoing efforts to address issues within the livestock and agricultural sectors.
They cited historical difficulties with poultry hatcheries and feed production in Liberia and described partnerships to strengthen these value chains through grant schemes, training programs, and public-private dialogues.
Regarding market access for rice farmers, management highlighted facilitated negotiations between producers and processors to stabilize prices and address transportation costs, with ongoing discussions involving key stakeholders such as the World Food Programme.
Implications and Way Forward
The GAC audit reveals systemic governance weaknesses that could undermine RETRAP’s mission to transform Liberia’s rural economy.
The premature release of funds without project completion, lack of financial controls, and failure to safeguard assets suggest urgent reforms are needed in project oversight and accountability mechanisms.
As Liberia seeks to build resilient rural markets and empower farmers, addressing these audit findings must become a national priority. Ensuring transparent use of public resources will be critical to restoring stakeholder confidence and achieving sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
This investigation highlights the crucial role of independent auditing in promoting accountability and sound management of public projects.
The government and RETRAP leadership must act decisively to rectify identified issues and safeguard the development aspirations of Liberia’s rural population.
