The Informer (Monrovia)
30 June 2009
The Government of Liberia last Friday received a grant of a little over 8,000 metric tons of rice from the Government and people of Japan.
Speaking to journalist last Friday at the Freeport of Monrovia, The Managing Director of Marino Logistics, a Ghanaian based company, Mr. Yirenki Attuah said the initiative is known as Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Japan.
The grant was arranged three years ago in Ghana with a subsequent follow-up by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during her visit to the Republic of Japan recently.
Mr. Attuah noted that this is the first time for Liberia to benefit from the ODA grant, even though it has been given in the sub-region for the past nine years. He said Liberia was opportune to receive the largest ration in the sub-region
He observed that the grant is a regular donation from the Government of Japan to some needy countries most especially in the West African sub-region. He stated that the grant can sometimes be in cash, equipment or any form.
He further revealed that the ship that brought the consignment in the country is en-route docked in other West African Countries before docking at the Free Port of Monrovia.
He called on the Liberian Government to place the goods in warehouses to be distributed for consumption.
The grant, valued at US$3.3 million was received by Deputy Commerce Minister; Frederick B. Norkeh who expressed thanks and appreciation to the donor and assured that the rice will be used for the purpose intended
Minister Korkeh said the rice will be sold at the minimum of US$13.50 for a 30 kilogram bag and that the proceeds will be put in a special account of the government at the Central Bank to be used for development projects in the agriculture sector.
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