The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has staunchly denied allegations of misappropriating US$865,000 from the World Bank-backed Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP).
Characterizing the claims as baseless and potentially damaging to Liberia’s fisheries sector, NaFAA emphasized its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in managing international funds.
According to NaFAA’s Director General, Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, all disbursements under the LSMFP underwent rigorous scrutiny and received explicit approval from the World Bank.
“No disbursement was made without the ‘no objection’ from the World Bank,” she asserted, underlining the meticulous oversight exercised by both the World Bank project office and Liberia’s Ministry of Finance.
Addressing specific allegations surrounding the utilization of funds earmarked for constructing NaFAA’s headquarters, Madam Glassco clarified that US$831,000 was allocated for essential project needs.
These included the procurement of six vehicles, two motorbikes, public awareness billboards, and electric generators, all of which were sanctioned as necessary expenditures crucial for project implementation.
Madam Glassco vehemently refuted claims that any vehicles purchased were diverted for political campaigns, labeling such accusations as groundless.
She further pointed out that the procurement processes adhered to stringent World Bank guidelines, with transparent documentation available for public scrutiny.
The NaFAA Director General attributed the smear campaign to certain individuals, including former and current employees, whom she accused of attempting to tarnish her reputation and undermine the authority’s achievements under her leadership.
She described these actions as an orchestrated misinformation campaign designed to disrupt the agency’s progress.
Highlighting the comprehensive oversight framework governing LSMFP, Madam Glassco underscored the collaborative efforts involving the World Bank, Ministry of Finance, and NaFA’s Project Implementation Unit.
NaFAA Boss emphasized that all expenditures were meticulously aligned with project objectives and subjected to rigorous scrutiny to ensure compliance with international standards.
In a press release issued on June 24, 2024, Madam Glassco reaffirmed NaFAA’s unwavering dedication to sustainably managing Liberia’s fisheries resources.
NaFAA through its head urged the public to disregard unfounded allegations and expressed confidence in the existing oversight mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of NaFAA’s operations.
NaFAA’s response underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of international funds aimed at fostering sustainable fisheries management in Liberia.
