Boakai Says Multimillion-Dollar Foya Project Is for Regional Peace, Not Personal Use

Paynesville, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has rejected allegations that a multimillion-dollar villa project currently under construction in Foya, Lofa County, is meant for his personal use. He clarified that the project is part of a peacebuilding effort under the Mano River Union (MRU) and has nothing to do with him privately.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the issue during a live interview on state radio, ELBC, on Friday, President Boakai said he has never used public money for personal benefit and has no private interest in the Foya project.

“I do not need a retirement home built for me using government money,” President Boakai said. “By God’s grace, I plan to retire in Foya. I already own a house there that Samaritan’s Purse used for many years, and I intend to rebuild that same house for my retirement.”

He stressed that the villas being constructed in Foya are completely separate from his personal property and are not registered in his name.

“I have never taken government funds for personal use. The Foya project is meant for peacebuilding in the region. It is an international initiative designed to make Foya a place where regional conflicts can be resolved and where international meetings can be held,” the President explained.

Boakai also said that the project did not come from him and was started without his knowledge.

“This is not a Joseph Boakai project. It was initiated without my knowledge. Anyone can visit the site and confirm that nothing there is in my name,” he emphasized.

His comments support earlier statements made by Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando, who also described the project as an MRU initiative rather than a Government of Liberia project or a private development.

The clarification comes after weeks of public debate and confusion, especially after the government gave different explanations about the project. The issue first gained public attention through the civil society organization NAYMOTE. Reports say the project includes several villas and could cost millions of U.S. dollars.

The Mano River Union includes Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire countries that have experienced civil wars or military coups in the past. President Boakai said Foya was chosen because of its strategic location near the borders of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

“The funding will come through the Mano River Union,” Boakai said, adding that the money would be provided through cooperation among the member states.

When asked why the project was not disclosed earlier, the President suggested that those who initiated it intentionally kept him uninformed.

“They knew I would have objected from the beginning because I did not want anything done in Foya that people might think was for my personal benefit,” he said. “But this project is not private.”

Despite these explanations, critics say the President’s comments have raised even more concerns. They are asking for clear information on how much each MRU country is contributing, where the funds are coming from, whether loans are involved, the interest rates, and how repayment will be handled.

Boakai’s statement that the project started without his knowledge has also increased scrutiny. Critics are questioning who approved the project on behalf of Liberia and whether such a large development could realistically move forward without the President being aware.

Some also wonder whether it is normal for senior officials to approve major projects without presidential approval, and what that means for transparency and accountability in government.

“These explanations are creating more questions,” said a well-known civil society activist who asked not to be identified. “The President seems to be saying that a major national decision can be made without his consent.”

The activist added that the Mano River Union must now speak publicly. “The people deserve full information about this project,” he said.

A strong critic of the government and supporter of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), also reacted strongly to the President’s remarks. In a public commentary titled “Foya Project the Lies and Contradictions,” Doe questioned the credibility of the government’s explanations.

Doe said President Boakai’s claims conflict with earlier statements made by top government officials.

He pointed out that the President’s Press Secretary had previously described the project as a “Presidential Project.” He also noted that Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando first called it an MRU project, then later said he had misspoken.

Doe further stated that the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Steve Stevquoah, said he had no knowledge of the project, while the Minister of Public Works also indicated that his ministry was not involved and had no information about the construction.

Doe also challenged President Boakai’s claim that MRU countries are funding the project. He referred to an earlier government press release that described a different funding plan.

That statement said the project was financed through contributions from national, regional, and international partners, as well as private individuals and businesses, with the total cost estimated at about US$6.1 million.

“If MRU countries are the ones paying, when did they pay?” Doe asked, noting that the project is reportedly almost finished. “Does this mean there are no private contributors anymore?”

As these questions remain unanswered, the Mano River Union has not yet issued an official statement. Meanwhile, civil society organizations and political observers continue to urge the regional body to break its silence and provide full details about the controversial Foya project.