From Boakai’s Villa To Ordinary Gov’t’s Facility:

By Godgift Harris and Abraham Morris

Piah has firmly rejected earlier assertions that the structure is Boakai’s Presidential Villa, insisting it is a government-owned public facility.

Government has moved to counter mounting public speculation surrounding a multi-million-dollar construction project in Foya District, Lofa County.

The counter argument came against widespread claims that the facility is intended to serve as a private presidential residence for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, when he retires.

At Information Ministry press briefing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah said the project costs approximately US$6.1 million, and occupies about seven acres of land.

Piah firmly rejected earlier assertions that the structure is a “Boakai Presidential Villa,” insisting it is a government-owned public facility.

He told journalists that the project is designed to host the proposed Mano River Union (MRU) Presidential Center, a facility he said, would strengthen regional cooperation and diplomacy among MRU member states, particularly during periods of conflict resolution and peace-building.

However, Piah’s clarification has done little to quell public skepticism.

Mr. Piah stated that the project is being financed through a mix of domestic and international funding, but declined to name the international partners or institutions involved.

He also failed to provide a detailed cost breakdown, operational plan, or legal documentation outlining the project’s ownership, management, and long-term public use.

The lack of specifics has fueled criticisms from civil society actors, and ordinary citizens, who argue that government’s explanations remain insufficient, particularly given Liberia’s ongoing struggles with underfunded healthcare, education and basic infrastructure.

Although Piah said the project is nearing completion, and would deliver “significant value to the country,” he did not clarify how the facility would function in practical terms, nor how often MRU-related activities would actually take place there.

The controversy has been further complicated by conflicting official statements.

Two Months Ago

About two months ago, Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Daniel O. Sando, told journalists that the project was an MRU initiative. Shortly thereafter, MRU Secretariat reportedly distanced itself from the project, stating it had no knowledge of any such development in Liberia.

This apparent contradiction, has intensified doubts about the project’s true purpose and governance.

Mr. Piah defended the selection of Foya, citing its strategic location bordering three MRU founding member states.

He argued that hosting an MRU-related facility in the area would promote regional unity, create jobs, stimulate local business activity, and improve surrounding infrastructure.

While these potential benefits have been welcomed by some residents, critics maintain that economic promises alone do not substitute for transparency, especially when public funds and unnamed foreign partners are involved.

Against Assurances

Despite government assurances that the facility will be officially dedicated as a public asset, and not privately owned, many Liberians remain unconvinced.

A growing segment of the public believes the structure is, in effect, a US$6.1 million presidential residence, regardless of official denials.

As scrutiny intensifies, pressure is mounting on the government to publish comprehensive project documentation, including funding sources, contractual arrangements, intended users, and long-term management plans.

Without full disclosure, analysts warn that the Foya Project risks becoming a symbol, not of regional peace and cooperation, but of deepening mistrust between the government and the governed.

The contradictions continue.

Information Deputy Minister

Daniel Sando also said, government has moved to clarify mounting public concerns surrounding the construction of a high-profile facility in Foya, amid claims and counterclaims over its purpose, funding, legality, and transparency.

On Tuesday, December 16, Sando said the project in question is a government-led initiative officially titled: “The Mano River Union Center for Regional Peace and Development.”

Sando: “The facility is not a private presidential residence, as some political actors, and media outlets have suggested, but a strategic public asset intended to advance regional peace, security, and economic integration.”

Government officials described the project as a purpose-built diplomatic, and security facility designed to host sub-regional, regional, and global high-level meetings, including mediation talks, peace negotiations, and economic forums.

The complex includes a 500-seat conference hall, and nine secure accommodation units for visiting dignitaries. It is situated on approximately seven acres of land.

Authorities estimated the total investment at approximately US$6.1 million, financed through a mix of national, regional, global contributions, as well as support from private individuals, and businesses.

Government maintains that the facility is public property, with national, regional, and global significance.

“Pres. Boakai, along with senior government and security officials, is expected to inspect the project site later this December as part of a nationwide review of development initiatives.”

Government argues that Foya’s location makes it uniquely suited for such a center.

The district lies at the convergence of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, (no mention of La Cote d’voire), the three founding members of the MRU.

Its distance from densely populated urban areas, is cited as an advantage for hosting sensitive security and peace discussions.

Officials also point to Foya’s historical role in cross-border dialogue, particularly through the Makona River Organization, which has facilitated peace and development engagements among neighboring communities for years.

“This is a project for the MRU region,” Sando said, adding that Liberia’s intent to provide a neutral and secure platform for regional collaboration.

Security and Confidentiality

While addressing criticism over the secrecy surrounding the project, the government stated that confidentiality was required due to the sensitive security nature of the facility.

Officials argued that publishing architectural blueprints or security layouts during construction would expose vulnerabilities, particularly for a site intended to host heads of state, and other high-level officials.

Unauthorized drone

Government further condemned the unauthorized drone footage that recently circulated on social media.

The footage is being described as a security breach that validated concerns about premature disclosure.

NAYMOTE

Despite these explanations, skepticism has intensified. It can be recalled, prominent civil society leader, Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE, publicly questioned the rationale behind constructing a “multimillion-dollar Presidential Villa” in a region grappling with limited access to basic services.

In a then social media post, Jarwolo cited reports placing the project’s cost at US$10 million, and questioned whether such resources could have been better invested in job-creating infrastructure, such as factories or public utilities.

“What rationale exists for spending over US$10 million on a Presidential Villa when the residents of that district are deprived of fundamental public services, and economic prospects?” Jarwolo rhetorically asked.

The project is reportedly being constructed by MUSNS Groups Incorporated, led by Joe Mulbah, a figure described by critics as a close associate of Pres. Boakai. The chief engineer is identified as Edward Yamba, a construction reportedly began on September 10, 2024.

The deployment of state security to guard the site, has further fueled public suspicion.

In response, Sando reiterated that the project is MRU-related, and that Foya was selected due to its “geographic suitability for regional engagement.”

Opposition Voices

Meanwhile, opposition voices have gone further, framing the controversy as a constitutional, and legal crisis rather than a mere communication failure.

CDC stalwart, Wantoe Teah Wantoe, accused government of “narrative control.”

He alleged that the project lacks legal foundation.

Wantoe argued that under Article 34(d) and (f) of the 1986 Constitution, only the Legislature has the authority to establish public institutions, and authorize public spending.

Wantoe also cited provisions of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, asserting that no budgetary appropriation exists for the project, nor has there been public disclosure of donors, agreements, or audit mechanisms as required by law.

He further challenged government’s claim of proper procurement, referencing sections of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act that mandate competitive bidding and PPCC oversight.

The alleged relationship between the contractor and the President, Wantoe said, raises potential conflict-of-interest concerns.

He said, an MRU project would require formal approval through the organization’s governing bodies, including resolutions by the Council of Ministers or Heads of Sta; documentation that has not been made public.

“This is not transparency. It is a cascade of contradictions.”

As debate intensifies, advocacy groups and citizens have called on the government, the Legislature, the General Auditing Commission, and the PPCC to provide comprehensive disclosures on the project’s funding sources, procurement process, legal basis, and long-term governance structure.

The regional launch of the center, according to the government, is planned for 2026 following full completion, with anticipated participation from national and regional stakeholders.

For now, the Foya project stands at the center of a broader national conversation, one that pits Liberia’s aspirations for regional leadership and peace buildings against enduring public demands for transparency, legality, and equitable development.