MONTICELLO, Minnesota – The Affiliation of Liberian Journalists within the Americas (ALJA) has known as for quick transparency and full accountability from the Authorities of Liberia amid mounting controversy surrounding a multimillion-dollar development challenge — reportedly a presidential villa — underway in Foya, Lofa County.
The challenge, estimated at over US$10 million, is reportedly being carried out by MUSNS Teams Included, an organization headed by Joe Mulbah, a detailed affiliate of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Development allegedly started on September 10, 2024, with the location guarded by state safety personnel — a state of affairs that has sparked public concern over the challenge’s function, possession, and funding supply.
Confusion surrounding the challenge’s financing has deepened suspicions. Deputy Minister of Data Daniel Sando claimed the initiative was funded by the Mano River Union (MRU) due to Foya’s proximity to Guinea and Sierra Leone. Nevertheless, the MRU has denied any involvement, in line with reporting by FrontPageAfrica.
In an announcement issued by the workplace of its Nationwide president, Joey T. Kennedy, ALJAnoted with concern that no documentation from the Public Procurement and Concessions Fee (PPCC) has confirmed its involvement in vetting or approving the challenge. Native journalists and officers have additionally reportedly been denied entry to the development website, a transfer the affiliation described as a direct affront to transparency and press freedom.
“This stage of secrecy surrounding a multimillion-dollar challenge allegedly linked to the presidency is deeply troubling,” ALJA acknowledged. “The Liberian folks have a proper to know the way their cash is being spent — and who’s benefiting from it.”
The affiliation is due to this fact calling for a full, unbiased investigation into the challenge’s financing, procurement, and execution. ALJA outlined three key calls for: disclose the true supply of funding for the challenge, make clear the challenge’s possession and function — whether or not it’s public or non-public; and launch all procurement particulars, together with how and why MUSNS Teams Included was chosen.
ALJA careworn that in a rustic the place residents proceed to grapple with poverty, poor infrastructure, and restricted entry to primary providers, spending tens of millions on a presidential villa — with out clear justification — is insensitive and unacceptable.
“The Liberian folks didn’t vote for secrecy. They voted for honesty, openness, and reform. Something much less is a betrayal of public confidence,” the assertion learn.
The affiliation warned that President Boakai’s administration dangers eroding public belief if it fails to uphold the transparency and integrity promised throughout the 2023 marketing campaign.
“Accountability can’t be selective, and transparency should not be negotiable,” ALJA emphasised.
The Affiliation of Liberian Journalists within the Americas reaffirmed its dedication to press freedom, accountability, and good governance, urging the Liberian authorities to behave swiftly to make clear the information and restore public confidence.
About ALJA
Based in 1998, the Affiliation of Liberian Journalists within the Americas (ALJA) is a U.S.-based non-profit group dedicated to advancing press freedom, selling skilled development amongst Liberian journalists, and fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance in Liberia.
