Liberia: Kolo Sokodolo’s Children Foundation Terminates Services of Two Coordinators For ‘Spreading Falsehood’

Monrovia – A local non-governmental and non-profitable humanitarian organization named and styled Kolu Sokodolo Children’s Foundation has officially terminated the services of two of its officials for allegedly spreading falsehood on social media.

The foundation is engaged into the rehabilitation of the homes of less fortunate Liberians, including aging mothers, provision of educational, and empowerment opportunities to young Liberian students, women, and old folks, among others in Margibi, Montserrado, Bomi and other counties.

Recently, two former Coordinators of the foundation, including Emmanuel Ben and Princess Blessing Ma-Mary Chea, in separate social media posts launched an attack on the foundation.

But in a statement issued in Monrovia over the weekend, the foundation claimed that the actions of its former officials on social media were intended to tarnish its reputation for personal gains even though it is dedicated to supporting less fortunate children and vulnerable communities across Liberia and beyond.

The statement issued was signed by the foundation’s Founder/Chief Executive Officer Kolu Sokodolo, Country Director Monue Shine Gbelemah, and Public Relations Officer Abraham Parker.

“In recent days, the Foundation has become aware of troubling activities these individuals have reportedly engaged in a campaign to undermine the Foundation, which they had previously been a part of since joining through a compassionate initiative led by the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer in 2021. Emmanuel Ben initially became involved with the Foundation after expressing interest during one of the CEO’s giveaway events.”

It noted that following his numerous inquiries and active engagement, he was welcomed into the organization, where he began working on various projects in collaboration with other counties in Liberia. 

The foundation pointed out that during his tenure, Ben established his own team and introduced one Princess Mary Chea as a member. 

Despite the Foundation releasing funds under Ben’s name for community projects, it claimed that significant discrepancies emerged, with many of these projects remaining unaccounted for. 

“They proposed a farming initiative that included the cultivation of cassava and vegetables, as well as the purchase of a pig for the Foundation and after funds were disbursed, Ben reported that the land for the project had been taken from them without substantiation, and the pig unfortunately died, resulting in considerable financial loss for the Foundation.”

The foundation pointed out that as a strictly non-political organization, the Kolu Sokoldo Children’s Foundation prohibits its members from engaging in any political affiliations while serving under its banner.

According to the foundation, this policy was allegedly disregarded when both Ben and Chea were found to be using the Foundation’s name without authorization to promote personal agendas at various events, contradicting the organization’s established protocols. 

“Of particular concern was Chea’s involvement during the 2023 general elections, where she was seen campaigning for a political party, actions that directly conflict with the Foundation’s mission. Additionally, Chea has allegedly sought to establish a new organization with a vision similar to that of the Kolu Sokoldo Children’s Foundation while still holding her position, soliciting funds.”

Following a thorough investigation conducted by a team comprising members from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, and the United States, the foundation added that, findings were presented to its board which led to a decision to remove both Chea and Ben from the Foundation’s official communication channels pending further investigation. 

“In an attempt to defend their actions following their removal, Chea and Ben resorted to social media to further damage the Foundation’s reputation. They reportedly created a fake profile under the name Mary James, purporting to be a resident of the United States while actually residing in Liberia. This account has been actively engaged in spreading misinformation and defending the actions of the two former Coordinators.”

“In light of these developments, the Kolu Sokodolo Children’s Foundation has officially communicated the termination of Chea and her entire team from their roles within the organization. The Foundation emphasizes that such behavior undermines the trust and credibility that are vital for its mission to support vulnerable populations. The Foundation, which operates in five counties in Liberia, Togo, and Sierra Leone and the US, remains committed to its vision of providing tuition-free education and support to underprivileged children and families.”

The foundation maintained that its CEO, who has received multiple accolades for her dedication to community service, has vowed to protect the integrity of the Foundation against any attempts to exploit its name. 

“The Kolu Sokoldo Children’s Foundation, therefore, calls on all organizations, institutions, and individuals in Grand Bassa County and throughout Liberia to refrain from engaging in any business dealings with Emmanuel Ben and Princess Blessing Mary Chea in the name of the Foundation, as doing so would be at their own risk. As the Foundation continues its vital work in shaping the future leaders of Liberia and Africa, it remains resolute in its mission to foster trust and integrity in all its endeavors.”