By Togar Alexander Bealded
MONROVIA, Liberia — December 3, 2025
A massive construction project believed to be valued at more than US$10 million in Foya, Lofa County, the hometown of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, continues to generate public concern as government officials issue conflicting explanations and key documents surrounding the development remain undisclosed.
The structure, widely referred to by residents and media outlets as a “Presidential Villa,” has been under construction since late 2024. Reports first surfaced after journalists and civil society actors documented heavy machinery, high-grade materials and tight security at the fenced site on the outskirts of Foya. Workers at the location have refused to speak to reporters, and access to the area remains restricted.
Conflicting Government Explanations
Government officials have provided inconsistent accounts over who owns the facility, why it is being built in Foya, and who is financing it.
Earlier this year, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando dismissed reports that President Boakai was personally constructing a multimillion-dollar mansion. Sando initially stated that the development was part of a Mano River Union (MRU) initiative aimed at promoting regional cooperation. However, the MRU has not publicly confirmed any involvement, and no project documentation has been released.
Later, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana told reporters that the building is a government-owned facility intended for presidential operations and future administrations. Fofana did not provide details on the project’s size, cost, contract award process, or budgetary source.
Adding to the confusion, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel Stevquoah told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing that he had no knowledge of a presidential villa project in Lofa County. Around the same period, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings declined to answer questions on national radio, citing “security implications” and saying the Executive Mansion was better placed to address the issue.
To date, the Executive Mansion has not issued a comprehensive statement clarifying the ownership, purpose or financing of the Foya project.
Civil Society Demands Transparency
The controversy intensified after Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE–Partners for Democratic Development, raised concerns on social media about the scale and cost of the Foya structure. His post described the building as a US$10 million presidential villa, questioning why such a project was being prioritized in an area still lacking essential public services.
Jarwolo later clarified that he believes the project is government-funded but urged officials to release full details, including the contractor, procurement records and justification for constructing a presidential facility in the region.
Anti-corruption watchdog CENTAL issued a statement calling for an immediate investigation. The organization said its review of national budget documents found no allocation for a presidential villa or similar construction in Foya in either the 2024 or 2025 fiscal year. CENTAL urged the government to disclose all relevant information to prevent “rumors and unnecessary public distrust.”
Key Questions Still Unanswered
Despite weeks of public debate, several major questions remain unresolved:
- Is the structure a private residence or a government facility?
- If government-owned, why is it not included in the national budget?
- Which entity awarded the contract and through what procurement process?
- What is the official cost of the project?
- Why was Foya chosen as the site?
Without answers, speculation continues to grow, especially in light of President Boakai’s repeated emphasis on integrity, transparency and accountability as cornerstones of his administration.
Executive Mansion Yet to Respond
As of publication time, the Executive Mansion had not responded to a request for clarification sent by this newsroom. Local authorities in Lofa County say they have not received official briefings on the project, despite its size and national significance.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and residents are calling for an independent probe, stressing that transparency is essential to prevent the controversy from eroding public trust in the government.
The Foya construction site remains one of Liberia’s most closely monitored developments, with observers saying the administration’s response — or lack thereof — could shape public perception of President Boakai’s leadership going forward.
The Truth Is Our Guide