MONROVIA – Concerns over transparency and accountability have resurfaced as civil society advocate Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), questioned the necessity of a US$10 million presidential villa reportedly under construction in Foya, Lofa County.
In a post on his official Facebook page on Monday, October 27, 2025, Miamen stated, “After one month, no convincing info regarding the necessity of the Foya Project,” highlighting growing scrutiny of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Executive Branch over the controversial construction.
The project was first exposed nearly a month ago by Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYTOME-Liberia, who alleged that the villa, valued at over US$10 million, is being built in the president’s birthplace by MUSNS Groups Incorporated, with close presidential associates involved. Jarwolo questioned the rationale behind investing such a large sum on a private-style villa while Liberia continues to struggle with underfunded schools, hospitals lacking essential drugs, and deteriorating infrastructure. He argued that such funds could instead support factories or agricultural projects that generate jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
Construction reportedly began on September 10, 2024, with MUSNS Groups’ Joe Mulbah and Chief Engineer Edward Yamba overseeing the project. State security now guards the site, further fueling concerns over transparency. Details regarding financing and the involvement of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) remain unclear.
The project has drawn sharp rebuttals from government officials. On September 29, 2025, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando, speaking on Punch FM, dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated. He asserted that claims linking the villa to President Boakai were misleading, noting that the construction is part of a broader Mano River Union (MRU) project, which would have proceeded irrespective of the sitting president.
The MRU Secretariat later denied involvement in building a presidential villa in Liberia, stating that such allegations are “devoid of truth.” Ambassador Simeon Moribah, MRU Secretary General, emphasized the organization’s focus on improving citizens’ lives through trade, security, and human development, urging the public to disregard misinformation.
Despite these official denials, CENTAL and other civil society actors continue to call for full disclosure and transparency regarding the Foya project, underscoring the need for accountability in public spending and governance.
