MONROVA – Former Speak J. Fonati Koffa, who is chairman of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) party’s new headquarters construction committee, has been addressing growing public speculation about rumored dispute over the newly acquired land on the OK Morning Rush with Clarence Jackson. It can be recalled the party’s former headquarters was demolished, and now it is moving forward with a new project valued at $1.6 million, slated to be built in six months. Clarifying, Cllr. Koffa said he remains confident that the groundbreaking ceremony will proceed as scheduled, despite rumors of possible attempts to obstruct the event. He further clarified that the CDC was in the process of acquiring multiple lots in the area to enlarge the party’s existing land holdings. According to Cllr. Koffa, the land being used for the groundbreaking ceremony belongs to the CDC, and not to the individual in question, Mr. Edwardson, who owns the immediate back lot. The Analyst’s George C Flomo reports.
Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Headquarters Construction Committee and Representative of Grand Kru County, has clarified reports of a land dispute surrounding the site intended for the construction of the party’s modern headquarters complex.
Speaking on the OK Morning Rush with Clarence Jackson on Tuesday, Cllr. Koffa addressed growing public speculation that the land identified for the groundbreaking ceremony—scheduled for Saturday, October 18—is at the center of a dispute between the party and an individual reportedly claiming ownership of the property.
According to allegations circulating on social media, the CDC had initially agreed to purchase the land for US$300,000, but later offered US$5,000 to the alleged owner, identified as Mr. Edwardson, to allow the groundbreaking to proceed before finalizing discussions.
When asked directly about the claims, Cllr. Koffa dismissed them as misrepresentations, clarifying that the CDC is in the process of engaging multiple property owners in the area to expand the party’s existing land holdings.
“There are a series of lots in that area that we are trying to engage to enlarge the piece of property that we already own,” Koffa said. “We are talking to everybody who claims to have title to properties around the four lots that we currently have.”
The Grand Kru lawmaker, who previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized that the land being used for Saturday’s groundbreaking belongs to the CDC and not to the individual in question.
“He [Edwardson] owns the immediate back lot,” Cllr. Koffa confirmed. “The one we are breaking ground on does not belong to him.”
He explained that the CDC intends to develop a comprehensive headquarters complex, which will include several auxiliary facilities, such as the party’s commissary, youth wing, and offices for various auxiliaries.
“We are close to concluding on at least two other lots. Once we have the global headquarters, all of the auxiliary buildings will be put on other parts of the land that will be expanded after the final purchases,” he explained.
Cllr. Koffa confirmed that he recently met with Mr. Edwardson, describing him as a party member who assisted in clearing the CDC’s lot but stated that no financial negotiations were discussed during that meeting.
“We didn’t go into detail discussion about land purchase price or anything of that nature,” he said. “People will always have their own concerns or values, but all of that has not yet been tabled.”
When asked whether the CDC had received any court writ or injunction restraining the planned groundbreaking, Cllr. Koffa responded in the negative.
“That’s correct, Clarence. I have not seen any writ, and I suspect that if there were such a writ, you would have had it before I did,” he remarked.
Despite rumors of possible attempts to obstruct the ceremony, Cllr. Koffa remained confident that the event will proceed as scheduled.
“This is a CDC program, and a lot of nefarious individuals may want to undermine it,” he said. “They started with the issue of the bridge that failed, now they’re coming up with a different owner that will also fail. Nothing is going to kill the momentum for this project.”
The CDC headquarters groundbreaking is expected to attract a large turnout of partisans, senior officials, and supporters.
“I’ve got my helmet, I’ve got my T-shirt, and I’ll meet you all on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.,” Cllr. Koffa declared.
The construction of the new CDC headquarters represents a major milestone for the party, marking its effort to establish a permanent administrative home after nearly two decades of existence.