“…the same amount could fund a factory capable of generating jobs, and economic benefits for the people of Lofa County,” Eddie Jarwolo, NAYMOTE Exc. Dir.
“…the construction is part of a broader MRU project, which would have proceeded regardless of the sitting president…,” Daniel Sando, Deputy Information Minister
Compiled By C.Y. Kwanue
The dispute that has engulfed the construction of a ostensible US$10 million Presidential Villa in the remote village of Foya, Lofa County, has taken a new trend.
The latest came from Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat, which categorically denied allegations made by Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando.
Sando claimed that the Union is constructing a US$10 million Presidential Palace in Lofa.
In a statement released on Monday, September 29, 2025, the Union described the claim as “devoid of truth.”
Established in 1973, the Mano River Union (MRU) aims to promote economic growth, social progress and cultural development among its member states, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and La Côte d’Ivoire.
The organization’s primary objectives include fostering economic integration, ensuring peace and security, and enhancing social and cultural development.
“We want to emphasize that constructing Presidential palaces is not on our agenda,” said Ambassador Simeon Moribah, MRU Secretary General. Adding: “Our focus remains on improving the lives of our citizens through collaborative efforts in trade, security and human development.”
Minister Sando wrote on Facebook: “My understanding is that the project is an MRU-funded initiative. It’s being hosted in Foya, Lofa County, due to the geographical suitability of the area.
In short, they chose Foya, because of its connection to Guinea and Sierra Leone.”
Meanwhile, the Union has urged the public to disregard the misleading information and rumors surrounding the construction of the Foya-Villa.
MRU reaffirmed its commitment to its core mission, and continued collaboration with member states and development partners.
In recent years, MRU has been working towards strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic development.
This includes the establishment of the MRU Parliamentary Body, which aims to harmonize laws and address cross-border challenges among member states.
The Union has also been engaging in high-level ministerial dialogues to promote regional integration and cooperation.
NAYMOTE’s Version
NAYMOTE Executive Director, Eddie D. Jarwolo, who claimed the construction of the project began on September 10, 2024, said, the project is being carried out by MUSNS Groups Incorporated; a firm led by Joe Mulbah, an associate of Pres. Boakai.
Jarwolo said despite its completion, details regarding the financing remain unclear, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Jarwolo however, expressed dissatisfaction with the expenditure, especially considering that the same amount could fund a factory capable of generating jobs, and economic benefits for the people of Lofa County.
He argued that investing over US$10 million in a Presidential Villa when the district lacks fundamental public services, was a misallocation of resources, “because there is no “justification” for spending such a huge money on a villa when Lofaians are deprived of basic needs.
No PPCC input
The role of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) in this project, remains uncertain, leading to further scrutiny of the process that involved in awarding the contract.
As the debate continues, various local and international organizations, including the EU, ECOWAS, UNDP, and the U.S. Embassy, are being called to examine the implications of the investment.
But Gov’t’s Reacts
In a reaction statement, Sando sharply reacted to criticisms regarding the construction of the Villa.
Confirmed: “The Villa is linked to Pres. Boakai, when Sando appeared on Punch FM on Monday, September 29, 2025, dismissing the criticism as “politically motivated and misguided.”
He added: “The criticism attempts to draw a false equivalence, suggesting that because former Pres. Weah built a condominium, Pres. Boakai is now building a Villa. That is evil.”
Sando said the construction is part of a broader MRU project, which would have proceeded regardless of the sitting president.
This clash between government defense and civil society critique highlights a broader debate over governance, accountability, and the use of public resources.
While officials defended the Villa as part of a regional initiative, citizens are left questioning the prioritization of funds in a nation still struggling with gaps in healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Sando’s framing of the Villa as a MRU initiative does little to address public concerns about financial transparency, oversight, or tangible benefits to local residents. Without clear disclosure of funding sources and governance mechanisms, skepticism is likely to persist.
The involvement of state security, while presented as protection, only intensifies perceptions of secrecy and restricts accessibility to information.
written by Eric Pervist/ diasporaalert.com contributed to the story
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