Published: March 12, 2025
CAPITOL HILL – The Liberian Senate has directed its Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Public Accounts & Audits, and Commerce to conduct a thorough investigation into how Japanese grants to Liberia have been utilized by the government over the years.
The decision was made during the Senate’s 15th Day Sitting of the Second Session of the Legislature on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
It followed concerns raised by Grand Gedeh County Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, along with several other senators, regarding the management of these funds.
The Senate’s move comes in the wake of an appearance by Mr. Stephen Flahnpaye, Coordinator of Japanese Activities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on OK FM on Monday, March 10, 2025. During the radio interview, Flahnpaye outlined the objectives and outcomes of Japan’s grant program in Liberia.
Flahnpaye stated that the grants have funded key projects, including the Dualla Market, Omega Market, and the Sassa Town Housing Unit in Grand Kru County, among others.
Speaking under “Any Other Business” (AOB), Senator Pennue urged the Senate to hold both former and current Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Commerce accountable for the use of these donor funds.
“The Japanese government has provided substantial financial support to Liberia through grants, yet there is no clear accounting for these funds,” Pennue emphasized. “Madam Pro-Tempore and distinguished colleagues, I propose that we invite both the former and current Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Commerce to explain how these grants have been used.”
Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley backed Pennue’s motion, stressing the need for transparency and good governance in handling donor funds.
“There are funds coming to Liberia, but how are they being used?” Findley questioned.
He further emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role in managing these grants and must provide clarity on their utilization.
Maryland County Senator Gbleh-bo Brown also weighed in, describing the alleged mismanagement of Japanese grants as “unfortunate, embarrassing, and unacceptable.”
He called on the Public Accounts & Audits Committee to ensure a rigorous investigation into the matter.
Following deliberations, the Senate Plenary mandated its Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Public Accounts & Audits, and Commerce to summon both past and present Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Commerce.
The committee is expected to present a comprehensive report detailing how the Japanese grants have been used.
The investigation, led by the Foreign Affairs Committee, must be completed within one week, after which the findings will be reported back to the Senate Plenary.
As part of its bilateral support to Liberia, the Government of Japan has provided food aid to strengthen the country’s development efforts. Through this initiative, large consignments of rice are donated and later sold through a competitive bidding process.
The proceeds from these sales are then allocated to various development projects nationwide, making the initiative a key component of Japan’s support to Liberia.
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