GBARNGA, Bong County — Residents of Bong County have expressed opposition to the reappointment of Paul Sackie Wungko as Chairperson of the Bong County Sports Steering Committee, questioning why County Superintendent Lorleyah Hawa Norris would return him to the position after his earlier resignation amid widespread criticism over the county’s disappointing performance in the National County Sports Meet.
The controversy comes at a time when Bong County is preparing for another National County Sports Meet campaign, with residents expecting the county to field a competitive team capable of restoring its reputation as one of the country’s major sporting counties.
However, instead of the appointment being welcomed as a move toward strengthening the county’s sports program, it has generated anger and disappointment among some residents who believe the county administration should have used the opportunity to bring in new leadership.
The central question being raised by critics is why Wungko was brought back after resigning from the same position.
Residents are particularly questioning the circumstances surrounding his earlier resignation and subsequent return. According to critics, Wungko’s resignation followed a period of intense criticism over the county’s performance, including what opponents described as a dismal campaign that left Bong County’s supporters deeply disappointed.
They argue that if the former steering committee chairman had already acknowledged the need to leave his position, it is difficult for them to understand why the same leadership should now be restored.
The critics are asking whether the county’s sporting problems have been resolved or whether the administration simply decided to return to the same leadership structure without adequately addressing the concerns that led to the earlier criticism.
They contend that sports administration should be based on performance, competence and the ability to deliver results rather than personal relationships or political considerations.
The criticism has also placed Superintendent Lorleyah Hawa Norris at the center of the debate, with residents asking her administration to explain the rationale behind the decision.
According to the critics, the Superintendent, as the head of the county’s administrative structure, has a responsibility to ensure that appointments to important county positions serve the best interests of the people.
They argue that the Sports Steering Committee is not an ordinary committee because it is responsible for coordinating the county’s participation in a competition that generates enormous public interest and county pride.
The performance of Bong County’s sports teams, they say, affects the morale of the population and the reputation of the county across Liberia.
One resident, Mohammed Kwenah, took to Facebook to criticize the decision, questioning the basis for returning Wungko to the position after his resignation.
“There’s no reason why Superintendent Norris is reemploying someone who resigned after a decimal performance. I heard he’s being given another chance because he wrote a nice report. Do we need a nice report or performance of our teams? This is a poor decision and it will come back to haunt us,” Kwenah said.
Kwenah’s comments reflect an argument being made by critics that the county needs to evaluate sports leadership based on tangible outcomes rather than written reports or explanations following disappointing performances.
For him and others who share similar concerns, the ultimate measure of the Sports Steering Committee should be the performance of Bong County’s teams on the field.
The debate has also raised questions about whether the county administration believes the problems affecting Bong’s sports program are related to leadership or whether they are simply the result of circumstances beyond the committee’s control.
Critics say that after two years of disappointing results, the county should have undertaken a comprehensive review of its sporting administration before deciding to retain the same leadership.
They believe the process should have included consultations with coaches, athletes, sports administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders who understand the challenges facing the county’s sports program.
Instead, residents say, the decision to bring back Wungko has created the impression that the county’s leadership is unwilling to consider alternative approaches.
Jackson Kerkulah, another resident of Bong County, also expressed strong opposition to the decision, questioning how the county could expect to be taken seriously when the person who previously resigned after poor results is returned to the same position.
“With the presence of Comrade Paul Sackie Wungko, Bong County is heading nowhere. Mark my statement today. How will people take Bong County seriously when the so-called Steering Committee Chairman, who publicly resigned after the poor performance of the team, is reappointed?” he said.
Another resident, Thomas Taylor, also criticized the decision, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding Wungko’s return deserve greater public scrutiny.
“BONG COUNTY…. This is so sad. Paul Sackie Wungko resigned from the position before but still he accepting the job, only because he know what is into it. Let’s stop the mel bluff meh,” he said.
Taylor’s statement, although expressed in strong and colloquial language, reflects the suspicion among some residents that the leadership of the Sports Steering Committee may involve interests beyond the development of sports.
The controversy also comes amid previous claims that Wungko’s appointment had political backing, including allegations linking his selection to Senator Johnny Kpehe. Those claims have not been independently verified, but their continued circulation has contributed to public discussion about whether political considerations have influenced the administration of Bong County’s sports affairs.
Residents who oppose Wungko’s return say political leaders have a legitimate role to play in supporting sports and youth development, but they should not allow political loyalty to overshadow performance.
The County Meet, they argue, should be one of the few areas where political differences are set aside. “Players should be selected based on ability. Coaches should be appointed based on competence. Administrators should be evaluated based on results. And financial resources should be managed transparently,” Samuel Kollie, a resident of Sugar Hill Community told FrontPage Africa.
Superintendent Norris, meanwhile, must defend her decision and demonstrate that the appointment was made in the best interest of Bong County’s sporting future.
The upcoming National County Sports Meet will ultimately provide the strongest test. If Bong County performs strongly, the administration may succeed in proving that retaining Wungko was the right decision.
But if the county once again suffers a disappointing campaign, the current criticism will likely intensify, with residents asking why the administration ignored calls for a change in leadership.
Bong County, the stakes are therefore high.
