Published: November 8, 2025
MARGIBI COUNTY, Liberia – Presidential Press Secretary Kula V. Fofana has pushed back against public criticism surrounding President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent foreign trip, clarifying that the President’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was never intended to “return with a bag of money,” as some Liberians have suggested.
Fofana’s remarks, viewed by some as a sharp response to growing skepticism about the tangible outcomes of Boakai’s travels, came on Friday, November 7, upon the President’s return via the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Lower Margibi County.
Citizens Question Boakai’s Travel Gains
Following Boakai’s arrival, a wave of online reactions—particularly from supporters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)—criticized the administration for what they described as unproductive trips funded by taxpayers.
Many critics drew comparisons between Boakai’s recent travels and those of former President George M. Weah, who, during his time in office, announced multiple aid and investment pledges following visits abroad.
“President George Weah went to France and came back with US$10 million,” one supporter posted on social media. “He went to the UAE and returned with the Emirates Hospital in Gbarpolu County. Unfortunately, Boakai is returning from France and the UAE the same way he left. He brought nothing.”
Fofana Defends Boakai’s Foreign Engagements
Responding to those claims, Fofana told Executive Mansion reporters that the President’s international visits are guided by long-term diplomatic and development objectives rather than immediate financial handouts.
“I just want to say that a lot of people are criticizing, thinking that the travels are without any particular data, but I do know that whatever the government or the president is doing, there will always be criticisms,” she said.
According to her, every foreign visit undertaken by President Boakai comes with opportunities and benefits that take time to materialize. She emphasized that such trips allow the President to present Liberia’s development agenda to international partners and build the foundation for sustained cooperation.
Highlighting Diplomatic Progress
Fofana recalled that previous administrations struggled with Liberia’s foreign image, which led to stalled development programs. She said President Boakai’s diplomatic efforts are already yielding progress.
She cited his recent visit to China, which reactivated the construction of two overpass bridges and reopened discussions on major interventions in agriculture, education, road, and health sectors.
Fofana also referenced the extension of U.S. visa validity from one to three years—announced after Liberia’s engagement with former U.S. President Donald Trump—as an example of the administration’s growing diplomatic influence.
“I just want to inform the public that when the president travels, it doesn’t mean he’s going to bring back a bag of money to say, ‘Here is $5 million or here is $10 million,’” she said. “That’s not how it works. When the president travels, he engages key partners to benefit the country.”
Focus on Youth Empowerment and Investment
The Presidential Press Secretary further disclosed that Boakai’s UAE trip focused on investment opportunities and employment initiatives for young Liberians.
She said the administration is confident that partnerships developed during the visit will lead to jobs for thousands of youth and open new opportunities abroad to help their families at home.
“This president does not take any travel lightly, neither does he go somewhere to enjoy himself while citizens languish in poverty,” Fofana asserted. “He goes to engage world leaders, to talk about Liberia, and to attract investment.”
Critics Call Remarks Dismissive
Despite her clarification, some critics have described Fofana’s remarks as dismissive and insensitive to public concerns about transparency and accountability in government spending.
Analysts say her statement underscores the mounting pressure on the Boakai administration to produce visible results from its international engagements and ensure citizens see value for money in presidential travels.
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