Since the State of the Nation Address of President Joseph N. Boakai on Monday, January 27, 2025, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana has spoken out for the first time on reports of an alleged US$10,000 received from President Joseph N. Boakai intended for reporters assigned at the Executive Mansion.
The Presidential Press Secretary’s action came as a result of a publication by the “Hot Pepper Newspaper” in its Monday, February 3, 2025 Vol. 8 #11591 Edition with the headline, “After Allegedly Receiving US$18,000 On Their Behalf: Kula Fofana Gives E-Mansion Reporters US$600 For SONA Coverage.”
But, Madam Fofana wrote that at no time did her office receive money for E/Mansion reporters for the SONA coverage.
“Just so I am clear, at no time did my office receive money for EMPC Members for SONA. What I did say on Spoon FM was that the communication budget was US$25K, something that is very small,” she said.
Fofana said her office received US$3,000 out of US$25,000 intended for the Liberia Broadcasting System Radio, Ministry of information, Cultural Affairs and the office of the Presidential Press Secretary as their entire communication budget for the SONA.
“My office received US$3,000 for the entire communication. This includes printing of all of the souvenirs, purchasing of tote bags, broadcasting live, printing and graphic designs, printing of several copies of the speech, memory drive,” she said.
Madam Fofana also admitted to a US$600 given to reporters assigned at the Executive Mansion after the coverage of the SONA, but stated that it was only for reporters who attended the event and not the entire Executive Mansion Press Corp.
“Note that we do not pay EMPC members for coverage. However, we understand the challenges each of you face with your institutions and salaries. Sometimes the little we share is to facilitate transportation,” the Presidential Press Secretary said. Madam Fofana: “So where and when and to whom money was given for SONA in the name of EMPC Members? Again, as a journalist, do the needful.”
