Monrovia – The Office of the Presidential Press Secretary has firmly rejected accusations of financial misconduct published in the February 3 edition of Hot Pepper newspaper, calling the allegations “malicious” and “fabricated.”
By J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
The report claimed that Kula Fofana, Liberia’s Presidential Press Secretary, mishandled funds meant for journalists covering the Executive Mansion.
According to the newspaper, Fofana allegedly received a US$3,000 Christmas and New Year gift from President Joseph Boakai in December 2024, intended for the Executive Mansion Press Corps (EMPC) in Lofa County.
However, the report alleged that Fofana did not distribute the funds, sparking tensions between her and Anthony Kesselly, the head of the Public Affairs Department.
Furthermore, Hot Pepper cited an unnamed source within the President’s office, who claimed that before the State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Boakai had allegedly given Fofana US$10,000 as a token of appreciation for the Press Corps’ work. The source further alleged that Fofana misappropriated part of the funds, leaving only US$4,000 for the journalists.
In response, the Office of the Presidential Press Secretary issued a statement categorically denying the accusations.
The office described the claims as part of “a deliberate smear campaign” aimed at undermining Fofana’s reputation and the integrity of the President’s office.
“These false claims, fabricated without a shred of evidence, are part of a calculated attempt to discredit Press Secretary Kula Fofana,” the statement read. “Let it be categorically stated that at no point did Press Secretary Fofana misappropriate, embezzle, or mishandle any funds allocated for media-related activities.”
The statement also addressed the financial claims, clarifying that no US$18,000 was ever allocated to the Executive Mansion Press Corps.
The statement added that the actual allocation for communication-related activities during the State of the Nation Address was US$3,000, which was used for logistical expenses such as printing banners, renting live broadcast equipment, producing souvenirs, and printing the President’s Annual Address.
“It is clear that the false narrative suggesting journalists were short-changed is a deliberate distortion of the facts,” the statement emphasized. “No money was ‘eaten’ or withheld from journalists. All financial support for journalists has been properly distributed in accordance with established protocols.”
The office further clarified that the US$600 transportation support provided to members of the Executive Mansion Press Corps (EMPC) was not part of any presidential allocation. Rather, it was distributed personally by Fofana, with the knowledge of the Deputy Minister of Public Affairs, who was on an official government mission to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, at the time.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Fofana’s commitment to the well-being of EMPC members. “Since assuming office, Press Secretary Fofana has been a staunch advocate for EMPC members, ensuring they have opportunities for international travel with the President, holiday stipends, gifts, and institutional support. On several occasions, she has personally provided financial assistance to them.”
The Office of the Presidential Press Secretary denounced the allegations as both false and malicious, asserting that they were intended to undermine Fofana’s professionalism and her continued support for the media personnel covering the Executive Mansion.