Monrovia – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has criticized the Liberian government for its lack of transparency surrounding the alleged construction of a US$10 million “presidential villa” in Foya, Lofa County. The group is demanding full disclosure on the source of funding, the selection of contractors, and the economic justification for what it described as a massive and questionable project.
By Francis Boayue
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, CENTAL’s Executive Director, Anderson Miamen, said the recent resignation of Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s son from a magisterial post was a welcome development but argued that the Chief Justice himself must face appropriate sanctions for violating the Code of Conduct.
According to Miamen, the nepotism controversy involving Chief Justice Gbeisay and his son, Willeyon Gbeisay, who was nominated by President Joseph Boakai as Associate Magistrate of the Paynesville Magisterial Court, represents a clear breach of ethical standards. While welcoming the younger Gbeisay’s resignation—announced on Wednesday, October 1, 2025—CENTAL maintained that the decision does not absolve the Chief Justice of wrongdoing.
“We are of the view that such resignation does not remedy the misconduct on the part of the Chief Justice, especially since he brazenly defended the act on public television,” Miamen asserted.
Turning to the US$10 million Foya Villa controversy, reportedly located in President Boakai’s hometown of Foya District, Lofa County, Miamen said the lack of verifiable information has generated deep concern among journalists, advocates, and civil society leaders, including Eddie Jarwolo of Naymote, who first publicized the alleged construction.
The CENTAL boss highlighted conflicting accounts from government officials, noting that Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando denied the existence of a presidential project, claiming instead that the construction was related to a Mano River Union (MRU) conference.
“In a bid to independently verify the information, interested individuals and groups reached out to the MRU Secretariat. However, the body has since declined to directly speak on the matter, instead urging persons to seek documentary evidence from Deputy Minister Sando regarding his claim,” Miamen said.
He further disclosed that CENTAL’s review of the approved 2024 and 2025 national budgets found no appropriation for such a project under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs or any other line ministry.
“What is the actual source of funding for the project? What are its specifications, and what economic benefits will it yield for the country? How come such a massive project is being undertaken in the President’s hometown, and only after his ascension to power? How was the contractor selected?” Miamen questioned.
Expressing suspicion over the government’s continued silence, CENTAL called on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Asset Recovery Task Force to launch an immediate investigation into what it termed a “suspicious acquisition” in order to safeguard the public interest.
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