By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill has challenged the Boakai administration over President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ongoing working visit to the Republic of Türkiye, demanding transparency over who is financing the trip and questioning reports that the President is traveling aboard a private aircraft linked to Karpowership.
In a statement issued following the Executive Mansion’s announcement of the President’s departure, McGill raised concerns about what he described as potential conflicts of interest involving the Turkish energy company.
“Who is paying for the President’s trip to Turkey: Karpowership Energy or the Government of Liberia?” McGill asked.
He further questioned why the President was allegedly traveling on a Karpowership private jet and whether the company currently has, or intends to pursue, business interests in Liberia.
“Why is the President traveling on a Karpowership private jet? Does Karpowership have any current or future business interests in Liberia?” the senator wrote.
McGill argued that the questions transcend partisan politics, insisting they concern transparency, accountability, and the integrity of public office.
“These are legitimate questions that deserve clear and transparent answers. The Liberian people have a right to know who is financing this trip and whether there are any potential conflicts of interest. The Liberian people deserve answers,” he declared.
The senator’s remarks came in response to an Executive Mansion statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, announcing that President Boakai departed Liberia on Monday, July 6, for a working visit to Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and attracting foreign investment.
According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai is expected to hold bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, and technical cooperation.
The Presidency also announced that President Boakai will meet with leading Turkish business executives and investors to promote Liberia’s investment potential and encourage greater private-sector participation in the country’s development.
President Boakai is accompanied by a small delegation that includes Minister of State Without Portfolio Hadja Mamaka Bility and other senior government officials.
During the President’s absence, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah will chair Cabinet meetings in consultation with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, while maintaining regular communication with the President, according to the Executive Mansion.
However, the Executive Mansion’s statement did not disclose how the trip is being financed or identify the aircraft transporting the President, leaving unanswered the questions now being raised by Senator McGill.
McGill’s remarks have raised public questions over whether any private entity is underwriting the President’s overseas travel and whether such an arrangement, if confirmed, could create the appearance of a conflict of interest, particularly if the company involved has existing or prospective business dealings with the Liberian government.
