MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Kula Fofana, Press Secretary to President Joseph N. Boakai, is embroiled in controversy following allegations that she misappropriated substantial sums of money intended for journalists covering the President’s activities. Fofana’s alleged actions have raised serious questions about the integrity of her office, especially amid President Boakai’s public promises to combat corruption within his administration.
Fofana was allegedly entrusted with a large sum of money intended for the press corps. According to insiders, President Boakai presented her with US$10,000 as a token of appreciation for the coverage provided by the Executive Mansion Press Corps. However, by the time the money was distributed, sources claim that Fofana had already taken US$6,000 for herself, leaving only US$4,000 for the journalists. Fofana contradicted these claims when she appeared on Spoon Radio, stating that she had received US$25,000 for the coverage of the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) and intended to share it among several entities, including her office, the Ministry of Information, and the Press Corps.
On January 27, 2025, the 21 reporters who covered the SONA event were expecting to receive a substantial sum for their work, based on the large amount of money Fofana had allegedly received. However, they were left disappointed when Fofana allegedly distributed only US$600 in total to the reporters, amounting to just US$28 per journalist. Frustrated by the unfair distribution, some reporters attempted to return the money, but Fofana reportedly left without offering any explanation.
Calls for President Boakai to take decisive action against Fofana are growing louder. Critics argue that Fofana’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and undermine the President’s commitment to fighting corruption. There are increasing demands for her suspension or dismissal, similar to actions taken against other officials in the past for corruption-related offenses. However, some believe that the President’s failure to address corruption within his own office is emblematic of broader issues within the administration, particularly the sluggish judicial process that often fails to hold corrupt officials accountable.
When approached for comment by Smart News Liberia, Fofana vehemently denied the allegations. “I did not receive any US$18,000, let alone money for EMPC members,” she responded, rejecting the claims of financial mismanagement.
It is worth recalling that in late 2024, sources inside the Executive Mansion claimed that Fofana received a US$3,000 holiday gift from President Boakai meant for the Executive Mansion Press Corps. However, it is alleged that she pocketed the entire amount instead of distributing it among the journalists, leading to growing resentment within the press corps. Tensions between Fofana and the head of the Public Affairs Department, Kesselly, intensified following this incident.
