Monrovia, Liberia – Eddie D. Jarwolo, the Executive Director of NAYMOTE and a well-known civil society activist, has openly questioned the building of a multimillion-dollar Presidential Villa in Foya District, Lofa County, where President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. was born.
In a social media post, Jarwolo expressed worries about the project’s estimated US$10 million cost, its funding source, and its rationale in an area where people still have limited access to economic opportunities and basic public services.
For $10 million, a factory could be constructed that would benefit the people of Lofa County economically and provide jobs, according to Jarwolo. Given that the citizens of that district lack access to basic public services and economic opportunities, what justification is there for spending more than $10 million on a Presidential Villa, Jarwolo asked.
The project is reportedly being built by MUSNS Groups Incorporated, a company owned and operated by Joe Mulbah, a close associate of President Boakai. The chief engineer for the project is Edward Yamba. Construction began on September 10, 2024.
Daniel O. Sando, Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, clarified Jarwolo’s assertions by claiming that the project is a Mano River Union (MRU)-funded initiative.
According to what I understand, MRU is funding the project. Because of the area’s geographic suitability, it is being held in Foya, Lofa County, Sando explained. To put it briefly, Foya’s ties to Guinea and Sierra Leone are the main reasons they chose it.
Notwithstanding this justification, the news has spurred discussion about transparency, public spending priorities, and possible conflicts of interest among stakeholders and citizens.
Local advocacy organizations and individuals have called on the government and independent watchdog organizations to give a thorough explanation of the project’s financing, procurement procedure, and long-term goals.
MRU responded to media inquiry stating, “Please be informed that the MRU Secretariat is not prepared to engage on issues related to allegations or rumors. I would request that you take time, gather all the information related to the project with documentary evidence from the official so that you can be in a better position to seek concrete clarifications or answers to your questions.”
