Leaking Mansion!

MONROVIA-LIBERIA- OCTOBER 24, 2025: The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs-designate has painted a gloomy picture of the Executive Mansion-home of the Liberian presidency disclosing that large parts of the mansion still lied in ruins.

Sam Stevquoah appearing before the Liberian Senate for confirmation hearing recently, disclosed that the renovation of the mansion remains significantly unfinished, with overall progress estimated at only 40 percent.

The State-Minister-designate said the third floor which houses the Deputy Minister for Administration and the Office of the First Lady is only renovated up to 35 percent complete while the rest of the floors lied in complete ruins.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai

Mr. Stevquoah also disclosed that water leaks into the Mansion’s parlor during major national events adding, “When you are in the parlor of the Executive Mansion where important programs are held, water filters from the roof while the programs are ongoing.”

“The fact is that the Executive Mansion is not fully renovated. He quoted experts as saying that the renovation at 40 percent. The fourth floor is about 70 percent done, but there are still rooms that are boarded up, with wires hanging from the ceiling,” he stated.

The Executive Mansion was originally constructed between 1961 and 1964 during President William V. S. Tubman’s administration. Since its construction, the Mansion has undergone repeated rehabilitation efforts. A major fire on July 26, 2006 gutted the fourth-floor central section, triggering the most extensive renovation cycle yet.

Since the fire, the Government of Liberia has appropriated millions of dollars for the renovation though the project remains incomplete. Between FY2008/09 and FY2018/19 a total of US$33,492,101 was budgeted for the renovation.

Former President George M. Weah

A 2016 audit found contracts worth US$31,705,072 had been awarded during the period, with payments of about US$15,769,800 made to contractors. A 2021 report noted that, “Nearly US$40 million had been budgeted for renovation since the fire.”

Despite previous administrations pledging to complete the renovation, the task remains unfinished. During his hearing, Senator James Biney, Chair of the Senate Committee on Executive, disputed past failures saying, “The same promise Madam Sirleaf made and didn’t complete the Mansion renovation, the same with President Weah… So, this time the Ministry of State should begin factoring into the budget what needs to be done to finish the renovation work on the Mansion.”

Former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is currently residing in his private home built during his tenure at the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation, rather than in the official residence a decision Stevquoah attributed to the ongoing state of disrepair at the Mansion.

Incoming Minister Stevquoah called on the Legislature, budgeting bodies and contractors to ensure the upcoming fiscal allocations reflect a realistic plan to complete the renovation. He stressed the necessity of improved oversight, timely disbursement, and clearer timelines for finishing the historic structure.