By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA – Former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, through his legal representatives at the International Law Group, has demanded that the Bukonjadeh Group of Companies either produce evidence or retract claims that he took a US$12,500 loan from the company and refused to repay it.
In a letter dated Thursday, August 14, 2025, addressed to Bukonjadeh’s Chief Executive Officer Elton Johns and signed by Partner Saifuak-Mai Gray, the law firm described the allegation, which was broadcast on Punch TV Live, as “injurious” to Koffa’s reputation. The firm insisted that unless the company can provide signed loan agreements, payment records, and related communications within five days, it must issue an unreserved public retraction using the same platform and prominence as the original statement.
The legal warning followed public remarks by CEO Johns, who appeared on Punch FM earlier that day, accusing the former Speaker of deliberately refusing to repay the loan, which he claimed was taken in 2024 during a period of political unrest at the House of Representatives. Johns said lawmakers Ellen Attoh and Dixon Sebo had attempted to mediate but without success, and warned that his company was now preparing to take legal action.
In response, Cllr. Koffa said he could not recall borrowing money from the company, adding that if such a loan existed, the lender should present authentic transaction documents.
Meanwhile, documents reportedly obtained by the Bukonjadeh Group show that Koffa’s administrative assistant, Mr. Hilary S. Koffa, received US$12,500 on behalf of the Speaker with a commitment to repay by August 16, 2024. The handwritten note, signed by Hilary S. Koffa, stated that failure to pay would result in legal action. Sources say the assistant later pleaded with the company for more time to settle the debt.
The dispute has now escalated into a public confrontation, with the former Speaker maintaining his denial and Bukonjadeh insisting it will pursue the matter through the courts if repayment is not made or the alleged debt is not disproven.
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