Africa-Press – Liberia. Popular Liberian political commentator, Henry P. Costa, warns here that the construction of a US$10 10 Presidential Villa by President Boakai could pose challenges for his ruling Unity Party in 2029.
Liberian talk show host and political commentator, Henry P. Costa, has launched a scathing critique of the government, accusing it of allegedly channeling millions of U.S. dollars into construction of a Presidential Villa in Foya, Lofa County, a project that has drawn widespread public scrutiny.
In a recent broadcast, Costa expressed outrage over the reported multimillion-dollar expenditure, arguing that the funds could have been better invested in improving social infrastructure for ordinary Liberians.
“That amount could have been used in building a hospital or school that would provide services to the ordinary people who are not able to fly their relatives and loved ones abroad or to nearby countries for critical treatment,” Costa said.
However, Costa appeared to backtrack slightly, clarifying that President Boakai himself may not have directly financed the villa. Still, he insisted that the Government of Liberia had its hand in it one way or the other, and demanded transparency over the project’s funding source.
“Where did this money come from? Your stop it. It’s embarrassing. If you continue like this, it will be hard for those of us who supported the government to speak, and it will be hard for you in 2029,” he warned.
Costa also cautioned that the Liberian people, whose votes brought the Unity Party to power, will not tolerate a lack of accountability.
“Watch it and see. When this year ends, we enter 2026, and if they don’t see you taking action, they will think you want it to be this way, he added.
Conflicting reports continue to swirl over the Foya Presidential Villa, with Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando recently dismissing the criticism as “politically motivated and misguided.” According to Sando, the construction is part of a Mano River Union (MRU) development initiative that would have gone forward regardless of the sitting President. The Mano River Union (MRU) itself has reportedly denied any link to the project.
Yet, nearly a month after civil society advocate Eddie D. Jarwolo first exposed the alleged US$10 million “Presidential Villa” project in President Boakai’s hometown, the government has failed to clarify who authorized, funded, or owns the sprawling compound, now heavily guarded by state security forces.
During her weekly press briefing, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Nyei Fofana said she could not provide information on the project’s “financial source, scope, or authorization,” even as pressure mounts for transparency.
Adding to the confusion, Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, who also serves as an ECOWAS Parliamentary member, has rejected claims that the project is financed by the MRU, calling on the administration to publicly reveal the true source of funding.
Appearing before the Senate for a confirmation hearing, Minister of State-designate Samuel A. Stevquoah distanced himself from the controversy, saying he knows nothing about the project.
Reports suggest that the Foya villa, valued at over US$10 million, was constructed by MUSNS Groups Incorporated, headed by Joe Mulbah, a known associate of President Boakai. Edward Yamba reportedly served as Chief Engineer, with ground broken on September 10, 2024, according to civil society activist Eddie D. Jarwolo of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development.
The project’s financing remains murky, and there has been no public disclosure of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission’s (PPCC) involvement.
Jarwolo criticized the development as a “misplaced priority,” arguing that the same funds could have been used to uplift Lofa County’s struggling economy.
“What rationale exists for spending over $10 million on a Presidential Villa when the residents of that district are deprived of fundamental public services and economic prospects?” He wrote on Facebook.
The controversy over the Foya villa comes amid growing frustration over what critics call extravagant government spending. Reports recently surfaced that President Boakai purchased a US$1.2 million armored Lexus LX 700HR Super Ultra Luxury SUV, prompting comparisons to the lavish spending of his predecessor, George Weah, whom the Unity Party once criticized for similar behavior.
But the Executive Protection Service (EPS) defended the vehicle purchase, citing the deteriorating condition of the presidential fleet and the need for enhanced security.
Public anger intensified after revelations that President Boakai led a 40-member delegation to Japan for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) and Expo 2025, while civil servants and university professors faced salary delays.
Source: Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
