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The Management of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has reacted to what it termed as “false allegations” emulating from talk show host, Henry Costa on claims that the vehicle donated by the World Bank to enhance NaFAA’S operations, was purchased on a special order and customized for the Director General’s convenience using the World Bank Funds at her disposal and discretion.
Madam Emma Glassco, in a NaFAA press release Thursday September 1, 2022 clarified that the bank has very strait standing policies with regards to the procurement of goods and services which were applied during the purchased of the vehicle and is also, very involved in every single step towards the procurement process, commencing from the specification/details of vehicle, preparation of bid documents to the awarding of contract to competent firm/ service provider as well as the disbursement of funds.
“NaFAA would also like to state for the fact, it does not have any discretional authority on disbursement of funds or award of contracts,” the release said.
Recently, about days ago, Mr. Costa took to his Facebook and deliberately spewed out lies that Madam Emma Glasco used a World Bank project funds to purchase for herself a costly SUV vehicle.
Mr. Costta in his post said, “A few months ago, Madam Glasco had Africa Motors make a special order for her, of the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser – fully-loaded at the whopping price tag of more than US$ 128,000. Guess where she took the money from?? The World Bank’s multi-million dollar project fund”!
But NaFAA in its release further clarify, that it is not the custodian of the World Bank funds and so it is not at its disposal rather NaFAA is the implementing entity, ensuring that the programs implemented are in accordance with the Project Appraisal Documents (PADs) which are reflection of the institution’s underling objectives as well as the Pro Poor Agenda for Development and Prosperity (PAPD).
The NaFAA press release added that it would like to urge all media personnel or groups spewing negative information or propaganda on its hard earned reputation, to firstly, always seek clarification from the institution before going public which is a part of responsible journalism.
NaFAA over the years, the release noted has worked tirelessly to build its reputation thus attracting international confidence and recognition for the good of Liberia.
On the contrary, NaFAA believes the misinformation is an attempt to undermine its gains, and therefore, for further clarity on the SUV, NaFAA urges media outlets having interest in investigating this matter to not hesitate to contact the World Bank Communications Department.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has also exonerated Madam Emma Metieh Glassco of any wrongful doing in the purchase of the SUV vehicle.
The World Bank following an inquiry from a Newspaper publisher, Charles Yates says there is no wrong doing in the purchase of the Land Cruiser vehicle and that the purchasing of the vehicle was approved by World Bank.
The Bank in its respond said, “We are aware of the posts circulating on social media regarding the car purchase related to the Liberia Sustainable Management Fishery Project that is being implemented by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).
“The vehicle was procured using World Bank procedures and assigned to senior management of the NaFAA for monitoring project activities especially in project affected rural counties with huge road challenges,” the World Bank added.
It can be recalled that since the appointment of Madam Emma Glassco as Director General of NaFAA, the fisheries sector of Liberia has experienced a massive transformation, rebranding and improvement; an innovative leadership style that has also been recognized by several international partners including the United States department.
In the US State Department 2022 report on Liberia recently indicated that “the fishing industry, long dormant compared to pre-war levels, is making improvements that should make it more attractive for investment.”
The US State Department report also indicated that despite the numerous investment challenges in Liberia, the Country is rich in natural resources and has large expanses of potentially productive agricultural land and abundant rainfall to sustain agribusinesses.
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