- Former Finance Minister David M. Farhart has called on the Government of Liberia to reclaim and renovate the historic Edward J. Roye Building on Ashmun Street in Monrovia, arguing that it should be transformed into a public asset to generate revenue and reduce government spending on rent.
In an interview with The Liberian Investigator on Tuesday, Farhart insisted the building--long associated with the once-dominant True Whig Party--was constructed with taxpayers' money and should not remain under the control of any single political party or group.
"It is quite foolish for successive governments to sit by and allow this building to deteriorate when the government could renovate it for use," Farhart said.
Proposal for Public Use
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Farhart proposed that the government restore the property and convert it into offices for state institutions. By doing so, he argued, the government could save millions of dollars currently spent annually on renting private buildings for ministries and agencies.
He further suggested that, if not fully occupied by government offices, the renovated building could be leased to private institutions, with the proceeds directed toward national priorities such as rehabilitating at-risk youth (commonly referred to as "zogos") and strengthening the education sector.
"The proceeds from renting the building could be used to rehabilitate disadvantaged young people into society," he said.
Link to Education and Reconciliation
The former minister stressed that greater investment in education was key to sustaining peace and reconciliation in Liberia. "Peace and reconciliation will only be durable if citizens are well educated," he said.
Farhart argued that renovating the Roye Building and redirecting rental savings into the education sector would provide long-term benefits to the country.
Criticism of Governance and Public Attitudes
Farhart also criticized what he described as a culture of silence and complacency within government. According to him, many officials are reluctant to present honest recommendations to the president for fear of political repercussions.
He further expressed disappointment in citizens who spread "fake and hate messages" to appease politicians rather than holding leaders accountable. "Liberians must hold the government accountable for wrongdoing if the country is to move forward," he urged.
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The Edward J. Roye Building, once the headquarters of the True Whig Party, has for decades remained at the center of disputes over ownership and control. Once a symbol of Liberia's one-party dominance, the structure now stands largely abandoned and deteriorating in the heart of Monrovia.
