MONROVIA, Liberia — A major government infrastructure project intended to strengthen regional diplomacy and peacebuilding is now facing increased public scrutiny after the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) confirmed it has begun reviewing allegations surrounding the construction and financing of the Mano River Union (MRU) Center in Foya, Lofa County.
The development follows a formal petition submitted by the Alternative National Congress (ANC), which is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the multimillion-dollar project amid concerns over transparency, procurement procedures, and the source of its funding.
In a letter dated June 4, 2026, addressed to ANC Chairman Cllr. Lafayette O. Gould, the LACC acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed that it has initiated a preliminary assessment to determine whether the allegations warrant a full-scale investigation.
According to the Commission, the review process is being conducted independently and in line with established legal procedures and due process requirements.
The ANC’s petition, filed on May 25, raises several questions regarding the planning, approval, and execution of the project. The opposition party alleges that construction activities began around September 10, 2024, under what was reportedly described by insiders as a “National Secret” directive.
The party argues that such an approach may have bypassed established procurement regulations, transparency requirements, and legislative oversight mechanisms designed to govern major public projects.
At the center of the controversy are questions regarding how the project was financed and whether contributions made toward its construction complied with Liberia’s financial management laws.
Government officials have consistently maintained that the MRU Center is a Government of Liberia initiative financed through contributions from several State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), 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).
However, the ANC contends that these financial contributions were allegedly made outside the approved national budget process and without legislative appropriation, raising concerns about potential violations of the Public Financial Management Act and the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Act.
The opposition party has also pointed to what it describes as conflicting public statements regarding the project’s overall cost, authorization process, and intended purpose, arguing that such inconsistencies warrant closer examination by anti-corruption authorities.
Despite the controversy, government officials continue to defend the project, describing it as a strategic national investment designed to enhance regional cooperation, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and security collaboration among Mano River Union member states.
The MRU Center, located near the Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea border triangle in Foya District, is intended to serve as a major venue for regional conferences, peace and security discussions, and diplomatic engagements.
The facility reportedly sits on approximately seven acres of land and includes a 500-seat conference hall, along with nine secure accommodation units intended to host visiting dignitaries and high-level delegates.
Government representatives have further argued that certain aspects of the project were handled discreetly because of security considerations associated with a facility expected to host senior government officials, diplomats, and international guests.
As part of its preliminary assessment, the LACC indicated that additional information, documentation, or clarification may be requested from the ANC and other relevant stakeholders as investigators continue their review.
The Commission emphasized that no conclusions have been reached at this stage and reiterated its commitment to conducting its work professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law.
The outcome of the preliminary review is expected to determine whether the allegations surrounding the MRU Center project advance to a formal investigation, a move that could further intensify public debate over transparency, accountability, and the management of public resources in Liberia.
