The Ministry of Agriculture has dismissed allegations that it organized a “staged” farmers’ welcome for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during his arrival in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, for Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations.
In a statement issued Friday, the Ministry described the claims by a group identifying itself as the Rubber Broker and Farmers Union of Liberia as false, misleading, and intended to misinform the public.
The Ministry categorically denied that Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah or the Ministry played any role in organizing a welcoming ceremony for the President, insisting that no such arrangement was made.
According to the Ministry, President Boakai’s reception in Buchanan was a voluntary gesture by farmers and residents of Grand Bassa County, reflecting Liberia’s longstanding tradition of welcoming a sitting Head of State during official visits.
The Ministry also rejected allegations that it distributed T-shirts to smallholder farmers or coordinated the gathering to create the impression of widespread support for the President. It maintained that the accusations are entirely without merit.
Officials further called on the group behind the allegations to refrain from spreading what they described as misinformation and instead engage in public discussions based on verified facts. The Ministry warned that the dissemination of false information undermines constructive dialogue and distracts from ongoing efforts to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural sector.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to agriculture, the Ministry highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers, including the implementation of Executive Order No. 166, which prohibits the export of unprocessed rubber to encourage domestic value addition and create greater economic opportunities for Liberian producers.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah also commended farmers across the country for their resilience and continued contribution to national food production. He encouraged them to remain focused despite what he described as attempts to undermine the progress being made in the sector.
“I commend our farmers for their resilience and dedication. Do not be distracted by negative propaganda. The Ministry of Agriculture remains fully committed to working alongside you to build a food self-reliant Liberia,” Minister Nuetah said.
The Ministry concluded by reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained engagement with farmers and stakeholders as it advances the government’s Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda, which seeks to strengthen food security, increase agricultural productivity, and improve the welfare of farming communities across the country.
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