By Godgift Harris
The ruling Unity Party (UP) said, it raised US$1.3 million in the first phase of its nationwide fund-raising campaign.
The achievement party leaders are celebrating, but one that has triggered public criticism is the over political spending priorities.
UP executive Cornelia Kruah, said the funds were collected through mobile money platforms, cheques, and direct cash contributions from supporters both residents and the Diasporas.
An insider said, Lofa County topped the list of contributors, followed by Bong, Nimba, Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, River Cess, and Sinoe counties.
There were no mention of Grand-Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee and Maryland counties.
Party officials say the money will finance internal operations, political programs, and the long-delayed construction of the UP’s national headquarters; an infrastructure project the Party failed to complete during its previous 12-year stay in power, and again during its two years since returning to leadership in 2024.
Despite the Party’s celebration, the announcement sparked frustration among many Liberians, who question why political institutions can mobilize large sums, while public hospitals, schools, and clinics remain grossly under-funded.
“How can parties raise over a million dollars for office buildings, while our hospitals can’t get medicines, and our schools lack chairs?” a concerned resident told this newspaper.
Critics recalled that the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), also failed to build a functional headquarters during its six years in power, despite amassing considerable resources.
“This is not about UP or CDC. It’s about politicians, who keep investing in themselves, while the country stays poor, another resident said.”
The criticism underscores a widening disconnect between political elite priorities, and the daily challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
The fundraising controversy reflects a deeper national conversation about how political parties should operate, and whether they should be legally required to channel a percentage of their internal revenues toward social or community projects.
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