ANC Wants LACC to Probe into Controversial MRU Project in Lofa
The opposition Alternative National Congress has formally petitioned the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to launch an immediate investigation into the controversial Mano River Union (MRU) Center for Regional Peace and Development project currently under construction in Foya, Lofa County.
In a communication dated May 25, 2026 and addressed to the Executive Chairperson of the anti-graft institution, the ANC raised what it described as “profound questions” surrounding the legality, transparency, procurement process, financing, and constitutional compliance of the multimillion-dollar project.
The party cited recent public disclosures, media investigations, and official government statements suggesting that the project was initiated under what several sources reportedly described as a “National Secret” arrangement.
According to the ANC, construction on the project allegedly began around September 10, 2024, with funding reportedly coming from 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).
The ANC expressed concern that significant public funds may have been spent outside the approved national budget and without legislative appropriation as required under Liberia’s Public Financial Management laws and the Constitution.
The party further alleged that mandatory procurement and competitive bidding procedures may have been bypassed, while public resources controlled by state-owned enterprises were allegedly redirected without transparency, legislative oversight, or independent auditing.
In its petition, the ANC requested the LACC to investigate the financing, procurement, authorization, contracting, and implementation processes associated with the project. The party also called for the identification of all public officials, contractors, intermediaries, and institutions connected to the project.
Additionally, the ANC urged the anti-corruption body to examine all financial transfers, contracts, memoranda, approvals, and disbursement mechanisms linked to the initiative and recommend criminal, civil, or administrative actions where violations are established.
The party maintained that its request should not be interpreted as opposition to national development or regional cooperation efforts but emphasized that all development initiatives must be executed within the confines of constitutional governance, fiscal transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
“The democratic future of Liberia depends not merely upon what projects are undertaken, but how they are undertaken,” the ANC stated in the communication signed by Secretary General Desmond U. Nimely and approved by Chairman Cllr. Lafayette E. O. Gould.
Copies of the communication were also sent to the Liberian Senate, House of Representatives, General Auditing Commission, Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Ministry of Justice, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organizations, and media institutions.
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