By Amos Harris
Public Works Minister Roland Giddings has sharply criticized former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah over claims that the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led government secured funding for and financed all major road construction projects across Liberia.
Tweah, speaking to supporters of the CDC, reportedly asserted that his administration secured funding and paid for all major roads in the country. Minister Giddings dismissed the statement as untrue and misleading, arguing that it does not reflect the actual circumstances surrounding Liberia’s road infrastructure development.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s press briefing in Monrovia on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Minister Giddings challenged the former finance minister’s account and accused the previous administration of misrepresenting its achievements in road construction.
The Public Works Minister specifically raised concerns about the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Road project, alleging that the Boakai-led government inherited the project at only six percent completion. He described the condition of the project at the time of the transition as “messy” and criticized the previous administration’s handling of its implementation.
Giddings further alleged that funds allocated to the RIA Road project were disbursed before construction had properly commenced, raising questions about the management and utilization of resources intended for the infrastructure project. However, the allegations require independent verification through project records, financial documents, and relevant audit findings.
The minister said the current administration is now dealing with the challenges inherited from its predecessor and remains committed to addressing the road construction situation. He also urged former government officials to refrain from what he characterized as misleading public statements while the ongoing construction process continues.
The exchange between Giddings and Tweah has renewed public debate over the management of road infrastructure projects, government spending, and the responsibility of successive administrations to deliver sustainable development. The disagreement also highlights the need for transparency regarding project financing, contractual obligations, disbursements, and actual construction progress.
Meanwhile, road infrastructure and electricity remain among Liberia’s most pressing development challenges, affecting transportation, commerce, public services, and the daily lives of citizens. Poor road conditions continue to create difficulties for communities, particularly those outside Monrovia, where access to markets, schools, and health facilities remains a major concern.
Many Liberians believe that road development should not be treated as the achievement or failure of a single administration, but rather as a collective national responsibility requiring continuity, accountability, and effective management of public resources. They argue that political leaders should prioritize development over partisan exchanges and provide evidence to support claims about infrastructure achievements.
As the controversy continues, the public deserves a comprehensive and independently verifiable account of the RIA Road project and other major infrastructure investments, including the original contract cost, funding sources, payments made, construction progress, and outstanding obligations. Liberians are looking for completed roads and reliable infrastructure, not political accusations without clear evidence and accountability.