–Describes Claim As Malicious And Unfounded
The Office of the Presidential Press Secretary, Kula B.N. Fofana, has described as malicious and unfounded the allegations of financial mismanagement published in the Monday, February 3, 2025 edition of the Hot Pepper.
“These false claims, fabricated without a shred of evidence, are part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Press Secretary Kula B.N. Fofana, undermining the integrity of the Office of the President, and distracting from the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability,” a release from the office of the Press Secretary stated.
The release said, “Let it be categorically stated that at no point did Press Secretary Fofana misappropriate, embezzle, or mishandle any funds allocated for media-related activities. The callous accusations being circulated are rooted in misinformation, personal vendetta and a calculated attempt to discredit the Press Secretary’s leadership.”
According to the release, at no time was an amount of US$18,000 ever allocated or received for the Executive Mansion Press Corps (EMPC), and the claim that such an amount was provided and misused is entirely false.
“The financial resources allocated to the Department of Public Affairs at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs for communication-related expenses for the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) were only a meager US$3,000, which was used for essential logistics, including printing of banners, renting of equipment for live broadcasting setup, production of souvenirs (calendars, keychains, flash drives, folders, tote bags, etc.), and printing of the President’s Annual Address.
“As a matter of fact, this amount was already inadequate for the full execution of communication-related activities. The false narrative suggesting that journalists were short-changed is obviously a deliberate distortion of the facts. No money was ‘eaten’ or withheld from journalists. At no time did President Boakai allocate US$10,000 to the Press Secretary for Journalists covering SONA. Any financial support provided for journalists has always been properly distributed in accordance with established protocols, with documented records and signatures as proof,” the release added.
The release revealed that the US$600 provided to members of the EMPC was not from any presidential allocation. “The amount given for transportation support to EMPC members who attended the annual message was done so by the Press Secretary, with the knowledge of the Deputy Minister of Public Affairs, who was at the time on an official government delegation to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This token amount was given to ensure they were facilitated appropriately, and was an act of goodwill to acknowledge and appreciate their help, not an obligation or special disbursement from the office of the President,” the release further stated.
The release accused certain individuals of deliberately spreading misinformation to discredit Press Secretary Fofana and cast aspersion over the work of the Executive Mansion press team. “This office can assure the public however that these baseless attacks will not deter the Press Secretary from executing responsibilities assigned with professionalism and integrity. Since assuming office, Press Secretary Fofana has been a strong advocate for EMPC members, ensuring they receive opportunities for international travel with the President, holiday stipends and gifts, and institutional support.
“On multiple occasions, she has provided personal financial assistance to them. These efforts demonstrate her commitment to their well-being and professional growth, making the allegations against her not only false but also malicious. The Office of the Press Secretary will not tolerate deliberate attempts to defame its leadership with baseless accusations.
“Press Secretary Fofana remains focused on her duties and will not be swayed by smear tactics.
“The Office urges all media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of journalism by verifying facts before publishing claims or the office will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the integrity and character of the Press Secretary and all persons of the department.
“The administration remains steadfast in its fight against corruption, and no amount of misinformation will derail its mission to serve the Liberian people with integrity, accountability and transparency.”