MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Critics of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai have raised concerns over the alleged discrepancy in the number of delegates accompanying him to the ongoing US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
The official list of delegates includes Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Amin Modad, Minister of Commerce & Industry; Hon. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture; Hin. Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy; Hon. Jerolimek Piah, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism; Hon. Jeff Blibo, National Investment Commission Chairman; Hon. Richardson Ndorbor, Liberia Telecommunications Corporation Managing Director; Hon. Antionette Wolo, Acting Chief of Protocol; and Hon. Sahr Johnny, Sr. Economic Advisor.
However, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, who was notably absent from the official list, was seen in a picture alongside President Boakai and others, raising questions about the transparency of the delegation composition.
This omission has sparked controversy, with opposition members questioning who is responsible for Madam Fofana’s presence in the US. Some critics have suggested that President Boakai may have intentionally kept the number of officials on his delegation low to avoid public scrutiny and outrage.
Opposition members have gone as far as to suggest that names not included on the official list were possibly added by the President himself, leading to increased financial burden on the government. This action has been labeled as political hypocrisy, with calls for transparency and truthfulness from the President’s office.
In two separate publications, Smart News Liberia reported that Madam Kula Fofana was excluded from the official travel list for the upcoming summit, reportedly due to allegations of ineffective performance. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation within Liberia’s political circles.
Furthermore, SNL reported that Madam Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, the press secretary for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, confirmed her arrival in the US through a Facebook post, stating, “I’m glad that the work my team and I are doing to transform the Office of the Presidential Press Secretary is gaining tremendous traction. Thanks to those supporting us. I’m happy that quite a number of people, including our sternest critics, are admiring what we do, for which they are becoming a fan. Thank you!” This has raised questions about her presence and purpose there, especially since she was not listed in the official Liberian delegation to the US-Africa Business Summit.
However, despite these allegations, the office of President Boakai’s Press Secretary has remained silent on the matter, further fueling suspicions and leaving the Liberian public in the dark. Critics argue that the people of Liberia deserve to be informed and expect honesty from their leaders at all times. The controversy surrounding President Boakai’s delegation highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.
