The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) is calling on the Government of Liberia to fully disclose all information surrounding the alleged construction of a $10 million presidential villa in Foya, Lofa County, amid growing public concern and confusion.
In a press statement issued Thursday, CENTAL expressed alarm over the government’s continued silence and lack of clarity about the controversial project, which was first brought to public attention earlier this week by civil society leader Eddie Jarwolo, head of Naymote.
According to CENTAL, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando, in response to Jarwolo’s claims, told the Daily Observer that “there is no such presidential project,” suggesting instead that the construction may be linked to the Mano River Union (MRU). However, attempts by civil society to verify the information with the MRU Secretariat have been unsuccessful, with the body referring inquiries back to the Liberian government.
CENTAL stated that a review of the 2024 and 2025 national budgets shows no trace of any project of that scale under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs or other budget lines.
“Several questions linger,” the statement read. “What is the actual source of funding? What are the specifications? What economic benefits will it yield? How was the contractor selected, and why is the project being undertaken in the President’s hometown shortly after his election?”
The group noted that the Ministry of State had cited public communication and access to information as key achievements in the 2025 budget. CENTAL criticized the administration for failing to apply these principles to a project of such national significance.
“If public resources are not involved, what is the source of funding?” the group asked. “Is the project being financed through corruption or money laundering?”
CENTAL is demanding that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Asset Recovery Task Force launch a formal investigation into the matter and release their findings to the public.
Nepotism Concerns
In a related matter, CENTAL also addressed the recent controversy involving the nomination of Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s son, Willeyon Gbeisay, as an Associate Magistrate at the Paynesville Magisterial Court, a move that sparked backlash from legal professionals and the public.
While welcoming Willeyon Gbeisay’s resignation, announced by the Office of the President on October 1, CENTAL insisted that this action does not absolve Chief Justice Gbeisay of what it called a clear violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
The group cited Section 1.3.16 of the Code, which defines nepotism as when a public official “appoints, employs, promotes, or recommends for advancement family members in any agency or branch of government in which he or she works.”
Chief Justice Gbeisay has admitted that he recommended his son for the position, but denied any ethical wrongdoing. CENTAL strongly disagrees, saying his actions represent a “gross disregard” for the law and cast serious doubt on his ability to uphold judicial integrity.
“While the son’s resignation is welcome, it does not address the Chief Justice’s misconduct,” CENTAL said. “We wonder how the Chief Justice would rule in a case of nepotism, when he himself does not see any problem engaging in it.”
CENTAL also expressed concern over what it described as the Chief Justice’s intimidation of Judge Nancy Finda Sammy, President of the Trial Judges Association of Liberia, who had formally protested the nomination in a letter to the Chief Justice.
The group is now calling on the Legislature to apply appropriate sanctions against the Chief Justice, citing Section 9.8 of the Code of Conduct, which provides for penalties including reprimand, suspension, demotion, or dismissal, and possible banishment from public service for up to five years.
Finally, CENTAL urged President Joseph N. Boakai to lead by example and stay true to his pledge to uphold the rule of law, warning that “business as usual” practices such as nepotism will continue to erode public trust in government institutions if left unaddressed.
“The Liberian people deserve better,” CENTAL concluded. “Transparency and accountability must not be selective or performative-they must be real.”
