IPNEWS: Liberia’s opposition party, the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch a criminal investigation into the reported construction of a US$10 million villa in the home village of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
The controversy surrounds a massive structure that was initially reported to be a private residence for President Boakai. The building was allegedly constructed by a company said to be owned by one of the President’s nephews, raising concerns about transparency, procurement practices, and the source of funding for the project.
According to the ANC, no public disclosure was made regarding the financing, contracting, or purpose of the project despite its reported multi-million-dollar cost. The party is demanding that the LACC determine how the construction was funded and whether public resources were improperly used.
The ANC further alleges that several state-owned enterprises and public corporations, including the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), the National Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), may have contributed funds toward the project. The party has called for a comprehensive audit of all financial transactions related to the construction.
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President Boakai has offered differing explanations regarding the project. At one point, he reportedly stated that he was unaware of the construction activities. However, he later described the facility as a conference and event center intended for use by the people of Lofa County and the Mano River region, rather than a private residence.
The ANC argues that the conflicting accounts, coupled with the speed and secrecy surrounding the construction, warrant an independent investigation. The party maintains that Liberians deserve full disclosure about the ownership, purpose, and funding of the facility.
“The secrecy surrounding this project and the contradictory explanations from government officials raise serious questions that must be answered,” the ANC said. “The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission must immediately investigate whether public funds were diverted and whether any laws were violated.”
As public debate intensifies, the LACC has yet to announce whether it will open a formal investigation into the matter.
The allegations made by the ANC have not been independently verified, and no findings of wrongdoing have been established against President Boakai, his relatives, or any of the institutions named by the opposition party.
