Cattle Promised Face Delivery Scrutiny, After Grand Kru County Losses
The Agriculture Ministry says the US$200,000 came from its approved Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) allocation.
By Emmanuel Koffa
BARCLAYVILLE, Liberia — The Liberian government’s plan to introduce 200 Muturu cattle as part of its livestock development strategy is facing increased scrutiny following significant losses among animals destined for the southeastern Grand Kru County.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced the livestock initiative as part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda, with the government reportedly committing US$200,000 toward the acquisition of 200 cattle.
However, findings attributed to Liberia Early Warning Watch (LEW-Watch) indicate that only 47 cattle arrived in Liberia in the initial delivery. Twelve were reportedly taken to the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), while 35 were transported toward Grand Kru.
The Agriculture Ministry has reported that 24 of those 35 cattle died during transportation, attributing the deaths to the lengthy journey and inadequate feeding. The supplier has reportedly agreed to replace the dead animals.
The development has brought renewed attention to the difference between the 200 cattle publicly associated with the government’s investment and the 47 reportedly received in the initial delivery.
The reported delivery gap has become a key feature of the controversy surrounding the livestock project.
The status of the remaining animals reportedly covered by the 200-cattle purchase has not been fully detailed publicly, creating uncertainty over whether they were scheduled for subsequent delivery or remained under the supplier’s control.
A complete reconciliation of procurement, payment, delivery and replacement records would provide greater clarity on the implementation of the project.
The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission’s electronic procurement system shows that the Ministry of Agriculture advertised a national competitive bidding process for Muturu cattle in April 2026.
LEW-Watch has also alleged that another vendor raised a procurement protest and questioned the Ministry’s handling of the process.
The allegations remain subject to verification through official procurement records, including the bidding documents, evaluation process, any protest filed and the corresponding PPCC action.
The identity of the supplier, contractual delivery obligations and provisions covering transportation and replacement of livestock are also relevant to the ongoing scrutiny.
The deaths among the cattle destined for Grand Kru have intensified attention on the transportation and management of the animals.
Earlier reporting cited 14 deaths and five cattle in critical condition, while the Ministry’s latest account places the death toll at 24.
The difference in reported figures highlights the need for a consistent official record covering the cattle’s movement, condition during transportation and veterinary interventions.
There is no independently verified evidence at this stage that Grand Kru County authorities caused the deaths. The county’s role in receiving and managing the livestock, however, remains part of the broader scrutiny surrounding the project.
The Muturu project represents a significant investment in Liberia’s livestock sector and is intended to support domestic production, strengthen food security and revive cattle farming in Grand Kru.
The Ministry has said the US$200,000 came from its approved Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) allocation.
The funding source notwithstanding, the reported losses and delivery discrepancy have placed greater emphasis on documentation and transparency in the management of the project.