FOYA, LOFA COUNTY – A storm of controversy has broken out in Liberia over the construction of a US$10 million Presidential Villa in Foya District, Lofa County, the birthplace of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
Civil society organizations, led by the National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE), are raising concerns about the project’s transparency, necessity, and timing, questioning whether it reflects the nation’s most urgent priorities.
Eddie D. Jarwolo, NAYMOTE’s Executive Director, blasted the project as a misuse of resources, arguing that the same amount could fund a factory or other development initiatives that would generate jobs and address Lofa’s dire economic and social needs.
“Ten million dollars could transform lives in Lofa. Instead, we are building a villa,” Jarwolo said, describing the project as “lavish and misplaced.”
Questions Over Financing and Transparency
The construction, awarded to MUSNS Groups Incorporated—reportedly owned by presidential ally Joe Mulbah, with Edward Yamba as Chief Engineer—began on September 10, 2024. State security officers are currently guarding the site, according to NAYMOTE.
But controversy deepened after it emerged that the project’s funding source remains unclear. It is also uncertain whether the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) approved the contract, further fueling suspicions of procedural breaches.
Jarwolo has demanded an independent investigation, calling on watchdogs and international partners including the Press Union of Liberia, the EU, ECOWAS, UNDP, the U.S. Embassy, and the Embassy of Sweden to scrutinize the project.
Government Offers Clarification
Responding to mounting criticisms, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Daniel Sando defended the project, saying it is part of a Mano River Union (MRU) initiative.
“My understanding is that the project is an MRU-funded initiative. It’s being hosted in Foya, Lofa County, due to the area’s geographical suitability. In short, they chose Foya because of its connection to Guinea and Sierra Leone,” Sando explained.
His statement suggests the villa is intended as a regional facility rather than a personal retreat for the President.
Skepticism Persists
Despite this clarification, critics remain unconvinced. They argue that even if MRU-funded, the choice of location in President Boakai’s hometown, the hefty price tag, and the lack of transparency surrounding procurement and oversight continue to raise red flags about accountability.
For many, the controversy underscores broader concerns about governance, development priorities, and responsible use of public funds at a time when most Liberians face economic hardship.
The demand for a thorough, independent probe reflects growing public insistence on transparency in high-profile national projects.
