Controversial Foya Project Finally De-Coded -GoL’s Chief Spokesman Say it MRU Presidential Center

MONROVIA – Liberia’s government has been forced to break its silence on a controversial construction project in Foya District, Lofa County, amid widespread public outcry and speculation that it was a private mansion for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The prolonged silence from government officials, including the President himself, had fueled intense criticism and allegations of corruption, with many Liberians expressing outrage on social media and in public forums. Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah’s recent clarification that the project is actually a Mano River Union Presidential Center for Regional Peace and Development has done little to quell the anger and skepticism, with many questioning why the government had not been more transparent about the project from the outset. As THE ANALYST’S George C Flomo report highlights, the government’s efforts to address public concerns and provide transparency on the project’s purpose, scope, and funding may have come little later with the damage already be done since many Liberians remain unconvinced and calling for greater accountability.

The Government of Liberia has formally clarified that the controversial multi-million-dollar construction project in Foya District, Lofa County, widely alleged in public discourse to be a private presidential mansion, is in fact a Mano River Union (MRU) Presidential Center for Regional Peace and Development, a public facility owned by the Liberian state with regional and international significance.

The clarification was made Tuesday at the Ministry of Information, (MIO) regular press briefing by Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, following months of intense public debate, media scrutiny, and conflicting statements from various government institutions regarding the nature, ownership, and purpose of the project.

Public Controversy and Conflicting Official Narratives

The Foya project became the subject of nationwide debate after a drone footage was circulated on social media, fueling claims by opposition figures, talk show hosts, and some civil society actors that the facility was a private mansion being constructed for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in his home county.

The controversy deepened as different government entities — including the Office of the Presidential Press Secretary, the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, and MOI, initially offered varying explanations, creating confusion and intensifying public skepticism.

Minister Piah acknowledged the public pressure surrounding the issue and provided what he described as a comprehensive explanation of the project’s purpose, scope, funding, and security considerations.

Purpose and Strategic Importance of the Facility

According to Minister Piah, the project is officially named the Mano River Union Presidential Center for Regional Peace and Development and is designed as a strategic national asset to host sub-regional, regional, and global high-level engagements.

He explained that the center will serve as a venue for peace mediation, conflict resolution, economic integration talks, and high-level diplomatic meetings, positioning Liberia as a hub for regional dialogue.

The facility includes a 500-seat international conference hall and nine secure accommodation units for visiting dignitaries. It is situated on approximately seven acres of land in Foya District.

Liberia’s Regional and Global Role

Minister Piah emphasized that Liberia’s historical standing as the oldest independent nation within the Mano River Union, which comprises Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, places a responsibility on the country to provide leadership on regional peace and security issues.

He further noted that Liberia’s current role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council heightens the need for facilities capable of supporting sensitive diplomatic engagements beyond the MRU region.

“The center significantly enhances Liberia’s capacity to host critical dialogues on peace and security at national, regional, continental, and global levels,” the minister said.

Why Foya Was Chosen

Addressing questions about the project’s location, Minister Piah said Foya District’s strategic geography makes it uniquely suitable for such a facility.

Foya sits at the confluence of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, three founding members of the Mano River Union. Its distance from densely populated urban centers, he explained, offers a secure and neutral environment for high-level security and peace discussions.

The minister also highlighted the long-standing role of Foya residents in cross-border peace initiatives through local structures such as the Makona River organization, which has historically facilitated dialogue among border communities.

Confidentiality and Security Concerns

Minister Piah addressed criticism surrounding the secrecy of the project, stating that confidentiality was deliberate and necessary due to security protocols associated with facilities intended for heads of state and high-ranking officials.

He explained that it is standard international practice not to publicly disclose architectural blueprints or security layouts of sensitive installations while construction is ongoing.

“The unauthorized drone footage that sparked this controversy actually demonstrates why such projects require strict confidentiality,” he noted, warning that such actions pose security risks to national assets.

Ownership and Funding of the Project

The minister categorically stated that the facility is not, and will never be, a private property, stressing that it belongs entirely to the Government of Liberia, though its mission extends beyond national borders.

He disclosed that the project is funded through a combination of contributions from national, regional, and global partners, as well as private individuals and businesses.

The total investment in the project is estimated at approximately US$6.1 million.

President Boakai, along with senior government and security officials, is expected to inspect the project site in December as part of ongoing reviews of national development initiatives.

The regional launch of the facility is projected for 2026, following full completion, with participation anticipated from national and regional stakeholders.

NPA Reports Major Maritime Reforms

At the same briefing, Minister Piah also outlined significant reforms at the National Port Authority (NPA), describing the period as one of the most intensive maritime transformation phases in recent history.

He reported the restoration of 24-hour port operations, installation of modern navigational aids, and expansion of vessel traffic efficiency at the Freeport of Monrovia. Alternative ports, including the Mesurado and Bushrod Island corridors, have been activated to reduce congestion.

The NPA has also acquired new marine assets, including tugboats, powerboats, emergency ambulances, and operational vehicles, enhancing safety and operational independence.

Infrastructure, Governance, and Human Capacity

Port infrastructure upgrades were reported in Buchanan, where nighttime operations resumed after years of blackout, and in Greenville, where renovations are addressing aging facilities.

Minister Piah said the NPA has strengthened compliance with international maritime security standards, contributed to Liberia’s first oil spill response strategy, and introduced new systems for tracking hazardous materials.

Human capital development featured prominently, with staff receiving training in China, Ghana, the United States, Morocco, and other countries.

Yellow Machines, Bridges, and Food Aid

The minister also announced that the government is finalizing arrangements to make advance payments for the shipment of yellow machines, which will now include Bailey bridges to improve access to hard-to-reach areas.

He disclosed plans for a forthcoming media engagement by Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, who is spearheading the initiative and chairs the price committee established by President Boakai.

In addition, the government acknowledged the receipt of 3,600 metric tons of rice from the People’s Republic of China, which will be sold at subsidized prices to help stabilize the local market.

Minister Piah expressed appreciation to China for its continued support, noting that the intervention is expected to ease pressure on rice prices nationwide.

Things to know about MRU Presidential Project

Everything you need to know about the MRU Presidential Project for Regional Peace and Development:

 The Project:

 The project is a Government of Liberia initiative, and it’s named “The Mano River Union Center for Regional Peace and Development”. It is not private property, as some political actors and media outlets have insinuated.

It is a strategic asset specifically designed to host sub-regional, regional, and global high-level gatherings, meetings, talks, and conferences focused on mediation, conflict resolution, and economic integration.

It includes a 500-seat conference hall and secure accommodations in nine units for visiting dignitaries. It is situated on approximately 7 acres of land in Foya, Lofa County.

Why the Project:

Liberia is the oldest independent nation in the Mano River Basin, which consists of four countries. Liberia is respected as a regional leader and is looked to for guidance on key issues, including regional peace and security. The center offers a secure and strategic space to host national, global, and presidential dialogues when Liberia needs to do so.

Liberia’s current role on the United Nations Security Council over the next couple of years, as well as its esteemed and respected standing on the sub-regional, regional, continental, and global stage, requires it to be well prepared to support and lead regional dialogues on peace and security beyond the MRU Region. The facility under and within the project would be a significant and strategic enhancement to the country’s current roles.

Why Foya, Lofa County?

Foya District is a strategic location in the northern part of Lofa, situated at the confluence of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, the three founding members of the Mano River Union.  Its distance from the bustling suburban areas of Lofa and other parts of Liberia makes it an ideal geographic hub for cross-border security and conflict and peace discussions. The people of Foya have long been active in dialogues with their neighbors in Sierra Leone and Guinea on regional peace and development issues – through the Makona River Organization.

The Government of Liberia sees this initiative as a project for the MRU Region to promote peace, security, and cross-border collaboration at different levels.

Why the Confidentiality:

The project’s confidentiality was strictly governed by security protocols necessary for constructing facilities with security implications, intended to host high-level officials and events requiring high security and sensitivity. It is unconventional to publish or discuss the blueprints and security layout of a facility designed to host regional and global leaders, VIPs, and other dignitaries while it is under construction; this helps prevent security vulnerabilities.

The unauthorized drone footage that sparked debate about the project posed a risk to the security and integrity of the project and proves the point being made.

As mentioned earlier, the facility is not private property at all, but public property owned by the Government of Liberia, with national, regional, and global implications.

Funding of the Project:

The project is financed through a combination of contributions from national, regional, and global entities, as well as private individuals and businesses. The total investment is estimated at approximately $6.1 million.

The President, government officials, and senior security officials will visit the project site this December as part of his inspection of national development projects.

Regional Launch:

The regional launch of the project will be scheduled after its full completion in 2026. It is anticipated that both national and regional stakeholders will participate. This project affirms Liberia’s role as a peacemaker in the West African region.