SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar has announced plans to formally request the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono’s Leadership and Financial Management.
By D. Franklin Doloquee, [email protected]
The call comes amid growing concerns and widespread allegations of corruption within the county’s development projects.
Speaking to reporters in Sanniquellie following his donation of essential medical supplies to the county health team, Senator Kogar emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of social development funds.
He described Supt. Gono as the only “developmental superintendent” in the county but insisted that the pending audit is crucial for ensuring proper use of public resources.
“This systematic audit will cover specific periods since Kou Meapeah Gono took office as superintendent,” Kogar explained.
“It will enable us to access detailed information on how the county’s social development funds have been spent on various projects across Nimba,” Kogar further explained.
According to the lawmaker, several government-funded initiatives, including the renovation of county social facilities and the relocation of the Ganta main gate to Sokopa are officially national government projects.
However, the Nimba Senator pointed out that these are reportedly being financed with county social development funds rather than national allocations.
This shift in funding responsibility raises questions about the impact on citizens, who continue to face poor health services, inadequate education infrastructure and deteriorating road networks.
Kogar expressed deep concern about the lack of visible improvements in the daily lives of Nimbaians despite the significant financial outlays.
“The citizens need to see tangible benefits from these funds to improve their quality of life,” he said.
He lamented that the county caucus is excluded from the influential Nine-Man Council, the body responsible for crucial decision-making.
The caucus instead has been tasked with demanding the audit report, highlighting governance challenges within the county’s political administration.
Adding gravity to the allegations, local media outlets in Nimba have reported that Supt. Gono may have misappropriated over US$4 million from the county’s social development funds within less than two years.
The funds are alleged to have been directed toward various projects with little transparency or public involvement.
Confirming the scale of funding, Madam Beatrice Dokie, Chairperson of the Six-Man Council, recently disclosed that the council authorized over US$4 million for development activities in Nimba County.
This acknowledgment has intensified calls for thorough scrutiny to ensure that the money is properly accounted for and that development goals are genuinely met.
Senator Kogar concluded by appealing to all stakeholders including citizens, government officials and development partners — to support the audit process.
“Accountability and good governance must be upheld to restore public confidence and foster meaningful development that benefits every Nimbaians,” he stated.
This forthcoming audit will likely be a pivotal moment for Nimba County as it seeks to address allegations of corruption and mismanagement in its leadership while striving to achieve sustainable development and social progress.
Meanwhile, several Nimbaians have thanked Supt. Gono for the development activities.
Supt. Gono has earned a reputation as a developmental superintendent in Nimba County, Liberia, recognized for significantly increasing development activities across the region.
Since her appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in 2024, Supt. Gono has played a pivotal role in advancing the county’s infrastructure, social services and economic initiatives. Under her leadership, there has been a noticeable boost in projects aimed at improving healthcare, education and public infrastructure, which are crucial for the county’s growth and well-being
Nimba County, with its capital at Sanniquellie and the populous city of Ganta, is Liberia’s largest county by area and the second most populous. It shares borders with Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, making it strategically important.
The developmental strides under Supt. Gono are especially impactful given Nimba’s size, diverse population and economic potential, including its historical significance in iron ore mining and its ongoing post-war recovery efforts.
Supt. Gono has emphasized the importance of sustainable development and has been actively involved in community engagement, ensuring that development projects align with the needs of the residents. Her work includes enhancing healthcare facilities such as hospitals managed by both government and private entities, upgrading schools, and facilitating economic opportunities through infrastructural developments
These efforts have contributed to the revitalization of Nimba County, supporting its residents towards a better quality of life and increased economic stability.
Supt. Gono is recognized as a dynamic and proactive leader whose developmental agenda is transforming Nimba County into a hub of progress and opportunity within Liberia.
Her commitment to improving living conditions and fostering sustainable growth is reflected in the increased development activities witnessed across the county since her tenure began.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
