Lofa County, Liberia – Questions are emerging over which administration should receive credit for the long-anticipated Gbarnga–Mendikorma Road Corridor project following differing claims by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and former Public Works Minister Ruth Coker-Collins.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the road project, President Boakai stated that the design for the corridor had been in his possession for some time and was initially scheduled for launch earlier.
“This particular road, the original design for the Gbarnga–Mendikorma Road Corridor has been with me since the time it was supposed to be launched. The date was set, but we ran into other activities. As people say, God has time for everything, and certainly He does. Today, we are here for the groundbreaking ceremony,” President Boakai declared.
The President’s remarks have drawn attention because they appear to contrast with earlier statements made by former Public Works Minister Ruth Coker-Collins, who served under former President George Weah.
Coker-Collins previously claimed that the Weah-led administration had already secured funding for the road project before leaving office, laying the foundation for the implementation of the Voinjama–Mendikorma corridor.
Her comments suggested that much of the preparatory work, including financing arrangements and planning, had been completed under the previous government.
The differing narratives have fueled public debate over ownership and political credit for major infrastructure projects in Liberia, particularly projects that span multiple administrations.
Political observers note that infrastructure developments in Liberia often become points of political contention, with successive governments seeking recognition for planning, financing, or executing nationally significant projects.
The Gbarnga–Mendikorma corridor is considered a major infrastructure initiative expected to improve transportation, trade, and regional connectivity, particularly for communities in northern Liberia.
As discussions continue, neither the Executive Mansion nor former Minister Coker-Collins has provided additional clarification regarding the timeline of the project’s design approval and financing arrangements.
