Monrovia, Liberia – In response to claims that application forms for its Small Scale Grants for Market Vendors (SCGMV) Program were being illegally sold at two youth centers, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has opened an administrative investigation, cautioning that the forms are free of charge and should never be sold. Reports of the unlawful sale of application forms at the Tubmanburg Youth Center in Bomi County and the Ganta Youth Center in Nimba County prompted the inquiry.
The ministry said in a statement that it has taken the accusations seriously and is dedicated to learning all the details of the instances that have been reported. The Ministry noted that the investigation will look at the behavior of those purportedly involved in payment collection, the conditions under which the payments were made, and whether established protocols controlling the grant program’s execution were broken.
The statement stressed that the Ministry wants to be clear that application forms for the SCGMV Program are free and should be given to potential beneficiaries without any payment. The public was reassured by authorities that a thorough and impartial investigation would be carried out. The ministry issued a warning that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against anyone found to be in violation of administrative processes or regulations.
Additionally, the ministry mandated that no applicant be required to pay for an SCGMV application form at any Liberian youth center. The public was asked to report any attempt by people to demand payment for the forms or to participate in any other program-related illegal activity. The ministry stated that it is still dedicated to making sure the program is carried out in an open and equitable manner. The SCGMV Program is designed to provide small-scale grant assistance to young people and market vendors.
The ministry also reiterated its dedication to responsibility and safeguarding the integrity of government initiatives intended to assist Liberians in need. It expressed gratitude to the public for their participation and promised to take appropriate action in accordance with the investigation’s findings.
