Monrovia—Since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration took office on January 22, 2024, the appointment of local administrations across Liberia’s cities and townships has been largely completed—except for the City of Clay-Ashland.
This omission has stirred growing concern among senior citizens of the city, who attribute the absence of a mayor to the stagnation of development efforts in the area.
Rufus Kwenah, a former Station Manager of Fabric Radio, is among those deeply troubled by the situation. In a recent interview with FrontPageAfrica, Kwenah expressed that the lack of city leadership has not only undermined the delivery of justice but also continues to hamper vital development projects in Clay-Ashland.
With a population exceeding 10,000, as recorded in the 2022 National Population Census, Clay-Ashland faces significant challenges, including poor road conditions and a lack of essential infrastructure.
Mr. Kwenah emphasized that residents have repeatedly appealed to President Boakai’s office for the appointment of a mayor, believing that this would rejuvenate the city’s operations, which have stagnated since the departure of former CDC Mayor Morris Richards following Boakai’s election.
Clay-Ashland, located in Montserrado County, holds a unique place in Liberia’s history. Established in the early 19th century as a settlement for freed slaves and freeborn African Americans, the city was named in honor of Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman who supported colonization efforts. Over the years, Clay-Ashland developed into a thriving community, contributing significantly to Liberia’s political, social, and economic landscape.
However, the absence of a mayor, according to Mr. Kwenah, has left the city vulnerable, with increasing incidents of lawlessness and justice lapses due to the lack of appointed authority.
Mr. Kwenah recounted the challenges Clay-Ashland has faced over the years, including economic downturns, political instability, and civil conflicts. Despite these difficulties, the residents have shown remarkable resilience, striving to preserve their community’s rich history and culture.
“Today, Clay-Ashland continues to be a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity and pride, yet it faces significant challenges, particularly from government neglect,” Kwenah stated.
One of the city’s most pressing issues is the damaged and neglected bridge that connects Clay-Ashland to Monrovia and other towns. For over a decade, this bridge has been in disrepair, making it difficult for farmers and traders to transport their goods to market, particularly during the rainy season.
According to Kwenah, residents are forced to use canoes to navigate the waters, a dangerous journey that highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Kwenah recalled that during the administrations of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George M. Weah, citizens repeatedly requested the construction of a culvert bridge. While temporary solutions were implemented by the community, these were destroyed by heavy rains in 2022.
He also criticized Senator Saah Joseph for promising to construct the bridge during his campaign but failing to deliver on that promise after winning the election.
“Senator Saah Joseph brought crushed rocks to the city under the pretense of building the bridge, deceiving the citizens to vote for him. After winning, he never followed through,” Mr. Kwenah lamented.
As Clay-Ashland continues to grapple with these challenges, Kwenah and other residents are calling on President Boakai’s administration to act swiftly by appointing a mayor and prioritizing the construction of the crucial bridge.
They believe that these steps are essential to preventing further hardships and ensuring the city’s continued development.
