By: Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has raised alarm over reports of a $10 million presidential villa project in Foya, Lofa County, demanding that the Government of Liberia provide immediate clarity on the matter.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia on Thursday, October 2, the watchdog group said the government’s silence only fuels suspicion about transparency, accountability, and possible misuse of public resources.
The controversy erupted after Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, disclosed on Facebook that construction of a presidential villa was underway in President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s hometown.
The claim sparked widespread public concern over the project’s source of funding and purpose.
Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando denied the existence of any presidential project, suggesting instead that the construction might be connected to the Mano River Union (MRU) conference. But when contacted, the MRU Secretariat dismissed any involvement and referred inquiries back to the Liberian government.
CENTAL revealed that its review of the 2024 and 2025 national budgets showed no allocation for such a project under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs or any other government entity.
“Several questions linger regarding the transparency and accountability of the project,” CENTAL said. “What is the actual source of funding? What are the specifications and economic benefits? How was the contractor selected? And why is such a massive project being undertaken in the President’s hometown only after his ascendancy to power?”
The group further questioned whether public funds, private financing, or potentially illicit sources such as corruption or money laundering were fueling the project.
It called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Asset Recovery Task Force to launch a probe and publicly release their findings.
“The Liberian people deserve to know if their resources are being used. Silence in the midst of multiple concerns does not send a good message about compliance with procurement and accountability laws,” the group warned.
CENTAL on Nepotism Allegations Against Chief Justice Gbeisay
In a separate matter, CENTAL criticized Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay over his recommendation of his son, Willeyon Gbeisay, for nomination as Associate Magistrate of the Paynesville Magisterial Court.
The nomination, made by President Boakai on September 18, triggered public backlash, with Trial Judges Association President, Judge Nancy Finda Sammy, calling it a violation of judicial recruitment standards.
While the Chief Justice admitted recommending his son, he denied the move amounted to nepotism. CENTAL, however, strongly disagreed, pointing to Section 1.3.16 of the Code of Conduct, which defines nepotism as the appointment or recommendation of a family member within the same branch of government.
Though Willeyon Gbeisay resigned from the position on October 1, CENTAL maintained that the resignation “does not erase the misconduct.”
“This is clear nepotism and a gross disregard for the Code of Conduct,” the group stated. “It is troubling that the Chief Justice not only defended his action but publicly attempted to intimidate Judge Sammy, who raised legitimate concerns.”
CENTAL stressed that Liberian law prescribes sanctions for nepotism — ranging from reprimand and suspension to removal from office and a five-year ban from public employment. The organization urged the Legislature to apply the appropriate sanctions against Chief Justice Gbeisay.
It also called on President Boakai to “lead by example,” warning that tolerance of nepotism and secrecy undermines accountability, governance, and public trust.
“Liberians are watching,” CENTAL said. “The government must show through action, not just words, that it is committed to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”
