Monrovia – Montserrado County District 8 Representative Prince Toles has called on the House of Representatives to investigate the circumstances surrounding the lease of the US$7 million PHP Park—also known as Unification Park or Unification Square—in central Monrovia.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected]
The lawmaker, whose district encompasses the park, raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the agreement under which the park has reportedly been leased to a private entity, Green Park Management Service. He described the deal as questionable and potentially unfavorable to the public.
PHP Park, constructed during the administration of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, was funded through a US$2 million budgetary allocation from the Government of Liberia and a US$5 million grant from the United Arab Emirates.
The park, inaugurated in December 2023, was envisioned as a hub for cultural events, local trade, and community gatherings—symbolizing national unity and urban revitalization.
In a communication to the House during plenary, Rep. Toles expressed concern that despite the significant public investment in the park, the lease arrangement was conducted under unclear terms and without public consultation.
“I am alarmed by what appears to be a shady lease deal involving a major public facility that sits in the heart of our constituency,” Rep. Toles stated. “There are growing concerns about whether the people for whom this park was built are receiving equitable benefits.”
He requested that plenary summon officials from all institutions linked to the lease process, including Green Park Management Service, the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry of State.
According to the representative, these appearances are necessary to clarify who authorized the lease, the roles of the public and private entities involved, the terms and duration of the agreement, and the expected benefits to the surrounding communities.
Toles also emphasized the need to determine whether the lease agreement includes provisions for community employment, local economic development, or any form of revenue-sharing with the government or local residents.
Additionally, he demanded transparency on financial accountability—specifically, the identity of the public institution receiving lease payments and whether those funds are being deposited into national revenue or allocated to public welfare projects.
“This park belongs to the people. Any decision affecting its management must be made with full transparency and in the public’s interest,” Rep. Toles added.
Despite his call for immediate inquiry through a public hearing, the plenary voted to forward the communication to the House Committees on Contracts, Monopolies, and Public Accounts. The committees have been tasked to review the matter and report their findings within two weeks.
