The Liberian Senate has instructed the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Smallholders Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (START-P) and the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), both which have been implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Senate’s decision follows a formal complaint filed by Margibi County Senator, Nathaniel F. McGill, who raised serious concerns over the alleged misapplication and unaccounted use of more than US$200 million earmarked for agriculture development across the country.
According to Senator McGill, the funds provided to boost farmers’ productivity, support agribusiness growth, and strengthen food security have not been properly accounted for.
The Senator noted that the projects were intended to empower smallholders farmers, improve harvest outputs, and enhance rural livelihoods, but evidence of these outcomes remains limited or nonexistent in many communities.
Senator McGill informed the plenary that despite the massive financing allocated, farmers in various counties continue to struggle, with little or no impact felt on the ground.
He argued that the failure to provide clear documentation of how the funds were used raises serious red flags about transparency, management, and potential misuse.
In response, the plenary unanimously agreed that the scale of the allegations demands an immediate and thorough audit. The Senate emphasized that public resources, particularly those dedicated to food security and national development, must be managed with full accountability.
The General Auditing Commission, as mandated by the Senate, is expected to review all financial records and transactions under the START-P and RETRAP projects; determine whether the funds were used in accordance with project objectives; identify any irregularities, mismanagement, or potential acts of corruption; and report its findings and recommendations back to the Senate.
The GAC audit is anticipated to shed light on the status of the projects and restore public confidence in the management of major donor-funded programs.
The Senate has vowed to take further action once the audit findings are submitted.
