Senator Calls for Disclosure on Aircraft Used in President's Turkey Trip

Senator Nathaniel McGill issued a statement calling for the Executive Mansion to disclose who paid for and arranged the private aircraft used by the president on a trip to Turkey. The aircraft carried the Karpowership name, and the company has pursued electricity supply agreements with Liberia in prior years.

The senator stated that the public should know whether the government chartered the aircraft, received it as a courtesy, or operated under another arrangement. He said the disclosure would address questions about accountability when a company seeking government contracts provides transportation for the president.

Karpowership first proposed a power purchase agreement in 2018 under a previous administration. International development partners raised concerns about long-term financial obligations and electricity demand, and the proposal was not completed. After the current president took office in 2024, the company renewed contacts with government officials and the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

References to the company later appeared in national budget documents, prompting Senate discussion.

The president departed Roberts International Airport on Sunday for meetings in Turkey focused on trade, investment, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, and technical cooperation. The Executive Mansion did not specify who arranged the aircraft or whether Karpowership business would be discussed during the visit.

Senator McGill said the circumstances warrant public clarification regardless of whether any impropriety occurred. He added that transparency would maintain public confidence in dealings between officials and private companies.