MONROVIA – The Kolu Sokodolo Children Foundation (KSCF) has dismissed its Country Director, Shine Gbelemah, and the Registrar of the Kolu Sokodolo International Academy, Robert Sankoloe Jr., over allegations of gross insubordination, administrative misconduct, and financial irregularities.
By Obediah Johnson
The dismissals were formally communicated in letters signed by the foundation’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Madam Kolu Sokodolo Walters. According to copies of the letters obtained by FrontPage Africa, the decision followed repeated failures by the two officials to comply with scheduled internal audits and provide required documents and organizational assets.
The foundation stated that Gbelemah deliberately failed to appear for three audits scheduled on May 2, 10, and 19, 2025. Both he and Sankoloe allegedly refused to submit necessary financial records and materials needed to assess the foundation’s operations.
“These audits were intended to promote transparency, ensure accountability, and optimize resource utilization within our non-profit entity,” Madam Walters stated.
She noted that the audits were specifically intended to review the expenditure of several thousand U.S. dollars disbursed to Gbelemah for the implementation of foundation projects and the running of the academy.
Gbelemah had earlier been suspended in April 2025 over payroll issues and alleged disrespect toward the CEO. Madam Walters also accused him of sending threatening messages during that period.
“Your actions may have compromised our financial integrity to donors, which necessitates this measure,” she added, emphasizing that the organization operates as a voluntary, non-political nonprofit that compensates volunteers only when necessary.
The foundation has cautioned the public against conducting any business with Gbelemah or Sankoloe under the name of the Kolu Sokodolo International Children Foundation.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa, Gbelemah expressed dissatisfaction with the manner of his dismissal. He claimed he joined the foundation after being approached by Madam Walters through his wife while he was working with the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority.
He denied allegations of mismanaging funds sent for the foundation’s operations and said he ran the academy from locally generated revenue while Madam Walters was responsible for paying staff salaries. He confirmed receiving monthly operational funds between US$150 and US$175 and acknowledged being compensated for his role.
Gbelemah stated that he had submitted reports in the past through Madam Walters’ husband but stopped doing so due to her alleged failure to provide a reporting format from the United States. He also denied sending threatening messages and claimed he boycotted the audits because the auditors hired were among those who had accused him of embezzlement.
“They were not independent,” he said.
This is the second time the KSCF has dismissed senior staff over similar allegations. The foundation previously relieved Paul Idrissa Bangura, its former Coordinator, for alleged misconduct.
Madam Walters warned that dishonest practices by individuals in Liberia risk discouraging those in the diaspora from providing support to communities back home.
“We as Liberians should always be honest. A single dishonest act from one person can deprive thousands of others from benefiting,” she said. “Many people are willing to help, but they hesitate because they don’t know who to trust.”
Established in August 2016, the Kolu Sokodolo Children Foundation operates in Liberia and Sierra Leone, offering education, food assistance, and housing support to underprivileged communities.
On May 4, 2021, the foundation handed over a newly constructed home worth over US$2,000 to Mother Hannah Swen, bringing the total number of homes built by the organization for struggling elderly women to three.
KSCF has also supported orphanages in Monrovia, Brewerville, and surrounding areas, including the UNICO Orphanage, which cares for children of former UN and ECOWAS peacekeepers.
The foundation currently runs a tuition-free school for hundreds of less fortunate Liberian children, many of whom are survivors of the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.
Madam Walters has received multiple awards in the United States for her humanitarian efforts. These include:
Outstanding Civic Leader Award from The Gawad Amerika Awards in California in November 2022. Dr. Nina L. Meyerhof Leadership Award from the Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies, shared with Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor in November 2022. Virtuous Woman and Most Respected Individual Awards from I Am Magazine in April 2022.
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