Ganta, Nimba County – The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has uncovered significant financial and administrative irregularities in Nimba County’s Management of County Development Fund (CDF) and Social Development Fund (SDF) during the period July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
According to the audit, Electoral District Number 8 was entitled to US$158,691.05 under a county council resolution but received only US$114,357.05, an unexplained shortfall of US$44,334.00.
The GAC also found that Electoral District Number 5 received no funds from either the CDF or SDF during the period under review.
The audit further identified large variances in road and equipment spending.
Although US$500,000 was approved in 2020 for the purchase of spare parts and servicing for county earth‑moving equipment, the County Administration reported expenditures of US$978,297.68 for road works, spare parts and servicing, a variance of US$478,297.68.
A contract to Khaili & Son to supply spare parts valued at US$500,000 appeared problematic.
Audit records show only US$165,000 worth of spare parts were supplied, leaving US$335,000 unaccounted for.
The company was also awarded a servicing contract despite not having submitted a bid, a potential violation of the Public Procurement and Concessions (PPC) Act.
Other findings include the unauthorized purchase of 4,325 gallons of diesel fuel valued at US$17,300, an amount that exceeded what the County Council approved.
The GAC has urged County authorities and the Project Management Committee (PMC) to account for these discrepancies and implement corrective measures.
Audit follows Superintendent’s call for review
The audit follows a request by Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono, who pledged at her induction ceremony in Sanniquellie to ask the GAC to audit the past county administration.
The GAC report links alleged mis-management under former County Superintendent Nelson Korquoi to more than US$2 million in questionable spending.
The funds reportedly originated from ArcelorMittal – Liberia operations, which provided US$1.5 million annually to the County County for development.
Public response and local reactions
Several Radio callers including Nimbaians, who spoke with FrontPage Africa(FPA) praised Supt. Gono for initiating the audit.
“We say thanks so much for Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono for applying effort and writing the General Auditing Commission to conduct an independent audit in Nimba County,” said local residents Ericson Wehyee and Anderson Cooper.
Business owners, market vendors and government workers in Ganta and Sanniquellie also commended the Supt. Gono for what they described as increased development activity under her administration.
Edith Dahn, Emmanuel Johnson and Jerry Suah praised the current level of activity compared with previous years.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for a modern magistrate court in Tappita, Nimba County, Supt. Gono reiterated her administration’s commitment to development across all 19 administrative districts.
She said planned initiatives will impact agriculture, health, education, road infrastructure, and skills training for women and young people.
Supt. Gono said she has the backing of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Nimba lawmakers.
Local business owners welcome road works
In Tappita, business owners welcomed work on the Ganta–Tappita Road.
Daniel Biago described how poor roads previously delayed deliveries for two to three weeks and sometimes caused goods to be destroyed.
He and other traders thanked the Boakai–Koung Administration and Superintendent Gono for improvements that are easing transport and boosting trade.
The GAC has called for County officials and the PMC to provide explanations and supporting documentation for the discrepancies. The commission’s findings may prompt further administrative or legal action depending on responses and any corrective measures taken.
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