MONROVIA – The Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat has dismissed claims that it is constructing a US$10 million Presidential Villa in Foya District, Lofa County, Liberia, describing the allegations as “devoid of truth.” The statement, released on September 29, 2025, comes in response to remarks by Liberia’s Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando.
Sando appeared on Punch FM the same day and labeled the criticism as politically motivated and misguided. “We expect that when Mr. Jarwolo speaks, his utterance should represent him,” Sando said. He argued that the assertion, which draws a supposed link between former President George Weah’s condominium and President Joseph Boakai’s alleged villa, was false and “evil of Mr. Jarwolo.” Sando further emphasized that any construction in the area is part of a broader MRU project, which would have proceeded regardless of the sitting president.
The controversy arose following a statement from Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYTOME-Liberia, who claimed that a Presidential Villa worth over US$10 million had been built in Foya District, President Boakai’s birthplace. According to Jarwolo, the project is being executed by MUSNS Groups Incorporated, led by Joe Mulbah, a close associate of the President, with Edward Yamba serving as Chief Engineer. He stated that construction began on September 10, 2024, while the source of funding and the involvement of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) remain unclear. State security personnel reportedly guard the site. Jarwolo questioned the rationale behind spending more than US$10 million on a presidential residence when residents of Lofa County continue to lack fundamental public services and economic opportunities.
In response, MRU Secretary General Ambassador Simeon Moribah reiterated that building presidential palaces is not part of the organization’s agenda. “Our focus remains on improving the lives of our citizens through collaborative efforts in trade, security, and human development,” he said. The Union urged the public to disregard misleading information and rumors, reaffirming its commitment to fostering peace, security, economic integration, and social and cultural development among member states, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
