MONROVIA, July 13 -- Contrary to assertions by the Minister of Commerce, Mr. Wilson Tarpeh, that his dismissed deputy, Jamima Wolokollie, was a signatory to the account from which the Small Business Pro-poor Development Fund was being disbursed to small business entrepreneurs, Madam Wolokollie has challenged the Minister to call for an audit of the fund and submit himself to an independent investigation. She vehemently debunked signing check for the disbursement of any loan while at the ministry.

Min. Tarpeh had explained during a press conference last Wednesday that Ms. Wolokollie's allegation of him misapplying the fund were "false and product of a "depraved mind."

He said, "Let me categorically state here that all of these allegation...