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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: An investigation conducted by a team from the Macona Investigative Journalism Network (MIJN) has revealed that the multi–million-dollar construction project in Foya, Lofa County, believed to be the private residence of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is not connected to the Mano River Union (MRU) as previously claimed.
According to the MIJN findings, the controversial project is reportedly being financed by several public officials from Liberia’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), allegedly seeking to maintain favorable relations with the presidency at the expense of taxpayers and ordinary citizens.
Mr. Dewitt vonBallmoos, Director-General of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), is said to be at the center of the controversy. Sources within the investigation allege that vonBallmoos personally contributed tens of millions of U.S. dollars toward the construction of President Boakai’s private residence, purportedly in an effort to safeguard his position at the head of NASSCORP.
Investigators further claim that von Ballmoos has a pattern of lavish spending to secure his position, having maintained his leadership at NASSCORP for over a decade, spanning three successive administrations.
Repeated attempts by the MIJN team to obtain comments from Mr. vonBallmoos through email and WhatsApp reportedly proved futile, as he declined to respond.
Meanwhile, the ruling establishment has been accused of spreading misinformation suggesting that the Mano River Union was funding the project. However, a source within the MRU, speaking on condition of anonymity, categorically denied any involvement, stating that the organization has no connection to what it described as a “clandestine deal.”
The controversy first surfaced in early September when Eddie D. Jarwolo, head of NAYMOTE–Liberia, published aerial photographs showing a lavish multi-unit villa complex in Foya. The project, reportedly valued at over US$10 million, is being built by MUSNS Group Incorporated, a company headed by Joe Gene Mulbah, a known associate of President Boakai.
Construction reportedly began on September 10, 2024, under the supervision of engineer Edward Yamba, though no budget line, procurement record, or financing source has been disclosed.
“A factory that would create jobs and economic benefits for the residents of Lofa County could be built for US$10 million,” Jarwolo said. “What rationale exists for spending that amount on a villa when the people of Foya lack basic services?”
Initially, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando claimed on the Closing Argument Talkshow that the project was funded by the Mano River Union and had no personal link to the president.
Investigation is ongoing to verify additional links between other SOEs to the project
Investigation continues…
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