CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – In a move to bolster transparency and accountability in Liberia’s agricultural sector, Senator Nathahiel McGill of Margibi County has formally requested that the Senate summon the Minister of Agriculture to provide a detailed update on the Star-P and RETRAP programs. These initiatives, jointly funded by the World Bank, total approximately USD 200 million and are aimed at expanding agribusiness and supporting local farming communities across the country.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Focus on Financial Transparency and Program Impact
In a letter addressed to the President Pro Tempore and fellow Senators at the Capitol Building, Senator McGill outlined specific areas of concern regarding the allocation and utilization of funds under the two programs. “Under the Star-P program, over USD 40 million was allocated in the past administration to grant micro-loans to small farmers nationwide,” the Senator noted. He emphasized that tracking these disbursements is essential to ensure that the funds are being effectively used to empower Liberia’s farmers.
The Senator’s letter detailed four key points that the Senate expects the Minister of Agriculture to address – the full breakdown of each program, including fund allocation and distribution, total number of farmers and beneficiaries who have received loans, geographic distribution of beneficiaries to verify nationwide inclusivity and an overview of the current implementation and management processes.
World Bank Funding and the Push for Accountability
The Star-P and RETRAP initiatives, backed by World Bank funding, represent a significant investment in Liberia’s agricultural infrastructure. With billions of dollars at stake in the broader development agenda, ensuring proper oversight is paramount.
Senator McGill referenced a worksheet obtained from the World Bank website, which provides key details about the programs, and urged the Senate to use this data as a basis for its inquiry.
“Given that these programs involve extensive loan disbursement, it is critical that we track their progress meticulously,” Senator McGill stated in his letter. He called on the full Senate to summon the Minister of Agriculture to address the concerns, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and the well-being of small farmers.
Senate Set to Take Swift Action
Senator McGill’s request comes at a time when public demand for accountability in government spending is high. The Senate’s forthcoming session is expected to focus on these critical issues, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that funds intended to support Liberia’s agricultural sector are deployed effectively and equitably across the nation.
As Liberia continues to work toward a more robust and inclusive agricultural sector, the unfolding debate in the Senate will be closely watched by stakeholders across the country. The proposed inquiry not only aims to clarify the status of these key programs but also reinforces the broader commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Liberia.
Senator McGill’s letter is seen as a clear signal to both the Ministry of Agriculture and the international partners involved that Liberian lawmakers will hold their government accountable for the efficient use of public funds, ensuring that the benefits of these programs reach all corners of the nation.
