By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Liberian activist Martin K. N. Kollie has written President Joseph Nyumah Boakai urging him to reject a proposed US$540,187 lease arrangement for diplomatic residential property in Accra, Ghana, and instead purchase a permanent property for Liberia. In a sharply worded letter dated Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Kollie argued that ownership would be more economical, sustainable, and historically significant for the country.
Writing from The Hague, Netherlands, where he identified himself as a Liberian activist in exile, Kollie congratulated President Boakai on his recent peace award and safe return from the United States. However, he quickly turned attention to what he described as questionable spending in the FY2026 supplementary budget, specifically a budget line allocating over half a million dollars for a 50-year lease in Ghana.
Kollie reminded Boakai of campaign promises to reduce government spending on rented properties. “On one of your campaign trails, you promised to cut down on property rentals when you become president,” he wrote, suggesting that approving the lease would contradict that public commitment.
The activist pointed directly to the supplementary budget provision, stating: “US$540,187 to secure a 50-year lease for a plot of land used as residence for Liberian Ambassador in Accra, Ghana.” He questioned why Liberia should spend such a large sum to lease property rather than acquire one outright.
“Why should Liberia pay more than half a million USD just to lease a residential property on a plot of land in Ghana when Liberia could buy and own a far better and bigger property,” Kollie asked, arguing that the same amount could secure ownership in the same location for generations to come.
To support his claim, Kollie said he personally contacted several real estate agents in Ghana and found that diplomatic-standard duplex compounds were being sold between 1.5 million Ghana cedis, equivalent to about US$134,876, and 5.8 million Ghana cedis, or roughly US$526,019. According to him, some luxury properties were also negotiable between US$400,000 and US$490,000.
He further claimed that many of the listed compounds were superior to the current premises used by Liberia’s Ambassador in Ghana at 34 Odoi Kwao Street in Accra’s Airport Residential Area. Kollie stressed that his intention was not to embarrass officials but to highlight alternatives that could save public funds.
“We would only post pictures of what we can buy far cheaper but far better than what we are about to pay US$540,187 to rent,” he wrote, framing the issue as one of responsible governance and smart investment rather than politics.
Kollie also raised concerns, without presenting evidence, that some rental deals are often pushed because individuals allegedly benefit through “cuts” or “kickbacks.” He urged President Boakai to ensure transparency and prevent what he described as wasteful spending of Liberian taxpayers’ money.
Calling the decision an opportunity for national legacy, Kollie said the President could be remembered for transitioning Liberia from decades of renting diplomatic properties abroad to owning them. “Don’t rent, Mr. President. Buy it,” he urged. “Owning it is more sustainable and economically efficient.”
