MONROVIA – The World Bank has issued a stern warning to the Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, over concerns of alleged mismanagement and misrepresentation within the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries (LSMFP) Project. In a letter dated August 16, 2024, the World Bank expressed deep reservations about the contents of a recent Project Progress Report submitted by NaFAA, citing numerous factual inaccuracies and serious allegations that, according to the Bank, mischaracterize the role, priorities, and actions of the institution.
The letter thanked Madam Glassco for a constructive meeting at the World Bank office on July 31, 2024, and acknowledged receipt of the Project Progress Report prepared for the LSMFP Project Steering Committee. However, the World Bank’s tone quickly shifted as it outlined a series of grievances regarding the report’s integrity and its depiction of the Bank’s involvement in the project.
“This letter serves as a formal expression of our concern with the report’s content,” the World Bank stated. “The document contains factual inaccuracies and weighty allegations that fundamentally mischaracterize the role, priorities, and actions of the World Bank. The report also misrepresents the nature of the World Bank’s working relationship with the LSMFP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and refers to reallocations under the Project for which no formal requests have been received.”
The World Bank emphasized its commitment to ensuring that its funds are used solely for defined activities that benefit the Liberian people and achieve the Project Development Objectives. The letter underscored that the Bank’s Task Teams maintain a stringent approach to implementation support, adhering closely to Project Appraisal Documents, International Development Association (IDA) guidelines, and fiduciary procedures.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the World Bank noted, “The LSMFP Bank team has consistently endeavored to provide cutting-edge technical expertise and, like all World Bank Teams, has worked closely with Project Coordinator, PIU, and relevant Government of Liberia leadership to support project implementation to the highest standards and in accordance with applicable World Bank policies and procedures.”
The correspondence further outlined the World Bank’s standard procedures for project oversight, which include conducting regular missions to monitor progress, assess alignment with development goals, and implement corrective actions as necessary. The letter pointed out that the performance ratings for the LSMFP are accurately reflected in the publicly disclosed Implementation Status Report of April 2024, as well as the June 2024 Aide Memoire and Management letter.
In an effort to address the concerns raised, the World Bank announced that a Project Mid-Term Review (MTR) is scheduled for October 2024. This review will provide a comprehensive assessment of the project’s advancement and performance, particularly focusing on issues identified during the last Supervision Mission. “It will undertake a comprehensive review of the Project’s advancement and performance – including the issues identified during the last Supervision Mission – with strong focus on beneficiaries reached and value for money,” the World Bank’s letter concluded.
The concerns raised by the World Bank about the alleged misuse of project funds have cast a shadow over the LSMFP, a $40 million initiative approved by the Bank on September 22, 2021. The project aims to enhance the sustainable management of Liberia’s fisheries resources, a vital sector for the country’s economy and food security.
As the October Mid-Term Review approaches, all eyes will be on NaFAA and its leadership to address the World Bank’s concerns and ensure the LSMFP meets its intended objectives. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for future funding and collaboration between Liberia and international financial institutions.
