Monrovia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has begun a preliminary review of allegations surrounding the controversial Mano River Union (MRU) Center for Regional Peace and Development Project in Foya, Lofa County, following a formal complaint from the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC).
By Willie N. Tokpah, willien.tokpah@frontpageafricaonline.com
In a letter dated June 5, 2026, LACC Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe informed ANC Chairman Cllr. Lafayette O. Gould that the Commission had received the complaint and would assess the information submitted to determine whether a full investigation is warranted.
The Commission’s response comes amid growing public scrutiny over the project’s ownership, financing, authorization, procurement process, and overall cost.
“The LACC will undertake a preliminary assessment of the information provided to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to warrant further inquiry or a formal investigation under applicable laws and regulations,” Zoe stated.
.“The LACC will undertake a preliminary assessment of the information provided to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to warrant further inquiry or a formal investigation under applicable laws and regulations,” the Commission stated.
The anti-corruption body emphasized that all allegations and requests for investigations are treated seriously and handled in accordance with its statutory mandate and established procedures.
According to the Commission, citizen and stakeholder participation remains critical to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources.
“The Commission wishes to emphasize that all matters brought before it are handled independently, impartially, and in accordance with due process,” the letter noted. “Any action taken by the Commission will be guided solely by the facts, evidence, and legal standards governing its operations.”
While acknowledging the ANC’s complaint, the LACC stopped short of announcing a formal investigation, indicating that a review of the allegations and supporting information will first be conducted.
The MRU Center for Regional Peace and Development Project has attracted public attention amid questions surrounding its implementation and the use of resources allocated for the initiative.
The ANC’s petition, submitted on May 25, argues that the project has been shrouded in secrecy from its inception and characterized by conflicting explanations from government officials, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Questions Surrounding the Project
The MRU Center for Regional Peace and Development first drew public attention in September 2024 after Naymote-Liberia Executive Director Eddie Jarwolo published aerial photographs of a large construction project in Foya. The development, reportedly costing more than US$10 million, was allegedly being constructed by MUSNS Groups Incorporated, a company linked to businessman Joe Gene Mulbah.
At the time, no official information had been provided regarding the project’s funding source, procurement process, or legislative approval.
Government explanations that followed appeared inconsistent. Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando initially claimed the project was funded by the Mano River Union, but later said he could not independently verify that assertion.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai subsequently defended the initiative, describing it as a legitimate regional peacebuilding project intended to host international meetings and support conflict-resolution efforts within the sub-region.
The President, however, also stated that the project began without his knowledge and that those involved deliberately withheld information from him because they feared he would oppose the initiative if it appeared linked to his hometown of Foya.
That explanation generated additional questions from critics and civil society actors, who argued that a project of such magnitude should have clear authorization, oversight, and public disclosure.
Allegations of Financial and Procurement Irregularities
The ANC alleges that financing for the project may have come from contributions by several state-owned enterprises, including the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), the National Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), and the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
According to the party, the arrangement may have allowed substantial public resources to be committed outside the normal budgetary and legislative oversight process.
The ANC further contends that mandatory procurement procedures may have been bypassed and that contradictory public statements regarding the project’s ownership, purpose, funding sources, authorization, and cost have fueled public suspicion.
“Public resources under the control of SOEs may have been redirected absent transparent disclosure, legislative oversight, or independent auditing mechanisms,” the petition states.
ANC Seeks Full Investigation
In its submission, the ANC urged the LACC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the project’s financing, procurement, contracting arrangements, and decision-making process.
The party is also seeking identification of all officials, contractors, and intermediaries involved, a review of financial transfers connected to the project, and recommendations for criminal, civil, or administrative action if violations are uncovered.
The ANC insists that its complaint is not intended to obstruct development efforts or regional cooperation but to ensure that public projects are implemented within the bounds of the law.
“Development must always proceed within the framework of constitutional governance, fiscal transparency, procurement integrity, and the rule of law,” the party stated.
For now, the LACC says it remains committed to conducting its review professionally and without political influence. The Commission indicated that additional documents or clarifications may be requested as part of its preliminary assessment.
Whether the review ultimately leads to a formal investigation may depend on what the Commission uncovers as it continues digging for answers in one of the country’s most closely watched public projects.
