By Stephanie M. Duncan
The true story behind the controversial presidential villa project in Foya, Lofa County continues to be sought by Liberians since the Liberian government, including President Joseph Boakai, is yet to provide clear-cut and unambiguous understanding on the status of the project.
Amid the opaque information coming from the government, the Alternative National Congress (ANC) has stirred up the debate, urging an investigation into the issue.
The opposition party has petitioned the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch what it describes as an “immediate, independent, and comprehensive investigation” into the controversial Mano River Union (MRU) Center for Regional Peace and Development project currently under construction in Foya District, Lofa County.
In a communication addressed to the Chairperson of the anti-graft institution, the ANC raised concerns over the legality, financing, procurement processes, and overall management of the multimillion-dollar project, warning that the situation threatens Liberia’s public financial management and accountability systems.
According to the ANC, recent public disclosures, government statements, and media investigations have raised “profound questions regarding the legality, transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance” surrounding the initiative.
The party noted that available information suggests construction on the project began around September 10, 2024, allegedly under what several sources described as a “National Secret” arrangement.
The ANC further referenced subsequent government clarifications acknowledging that the project is owned by the Government of Liberia and financed mainly through contributions from several State-Owned Enterprises, including the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation, the National Port Authority, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
In its complaint, the ANC alleged that significant public funds may have been committed outside the approved national budget without legislative appropriation, contrary to provisions of the Public Financial Management Act and Article 34 of the Liberian Constitution.
The party also questioned whether the project bypassed competitive bidding and procurement procedures mandated under the Public Procurement and Concessions Act.
Additionally, the ANC expressed concern that public resources controlled by State-Owned Enterprises may have been redirected without adequate disclosure, legislative oversight, or independent auditing mechanisms.
The opposition party argued that contradictory public statements regarding the ownership, funding sources, purpose, authorization, and total cost of the project have further deepened public suspicion and weakened confidence in government transparency.
According to the ANC, the secrecy surrounding the execution of the project may amount to a deliberate attempt to circumvent accountability safeguards established under Liberian law.
As part of its demands, the ANC is urging the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate all financial transfers, procurement records, contracts, approvals, and disbursement mechanisms connected to the project.
The party also called on the Commission to identify all public officials, private contractors, intermediaries, and institutions involved in the project’s approval and implementation process.
Furthermore, the ANC requested that the LACC determine whether any provisions of the Public Financial Management Act, the Public Procurement and Concessions Act, the Penal Law, or other anti-corruption statutes were violated, and recommend criminal, civil, or administrative actions where necessary.
The MRU Center for Regional Peace and Development project has recently generated intense public debate amid concerns about transparency, funding sources, and government accountability.
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