STAR-P and RETRAP under scrutiny for accountability concerns
IPNEWS: The Liberian Senate has mandated the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit into the alleged mismanagement of more than US$200 million allocated by the World Bank for key agricultural initiatives in the country.
The decision was reached during the Senate’s 53rd day sitting on Tuesday, presided over by Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, who instructed the body’s secretariat to formally notify the GAC to begin the audit without delay.
The funds in question are tied to two major World Bank–supported agricultural programs:
• Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P)
• Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP)
Both programs were designed to boost food production, strengthen agribusiness, and enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihoods across Liberia.
The Senate’s latest action follows a communication from Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill, originally submitted on March 13, 2025, in which he raised concerns over transparency in the management and disbursement of the project funds.
Sen. McGill emphasized that accountability is essential to ensure that the programs deliver on their intended objectives rather than being overshadowed by allegations of financial mismanagement.
“Concerns surrounding the disbursement and management of these funds must be fully addressed to ensure they are truly benefitting our farmers and the agricultural sector,” McGill reiterated during Tuesday’s deliberations.
The Senate noted that the final position of the body on the matter will be guided by the findings contained in the GAC’s audit report once completed.
Lawmakers say the audit will help determine whether the finance and implementation framework of STAR-P and RETRAP has been properly executed, and if interventions funded by the projects are reaching their intended beneficiaries.
As Liberia continues to struggle with high food import dependency and rural poverty, agricultural development remains a national priority making the outcome of this audit critical to restoring public confidence and donor trust in government programs. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail.com
