MONROVIA — The Ministry of Health has recalled Delino Kollie as the County Health Services Administrator (CHSA) of Grand Cape Mount County, just two weeks after his appointment. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

Kollie, a nurse by training, was appointed by Deputy Minister for Administration, Martha Morris, to replace Jonah Tokpah, who had served in the role for over four years.

Kollie’s appointment was met with immediate backlash from residents of Grand Cape Mount County and local officials, including Senator Dabah Varpilah, who raised concerns about his qualifications for the position.

Despite holding a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Kollie was criticized for lacking the necessary administrative experience required for the CHSA role. 

Senator Varpilah called on the Ministry of Health to suspend Kollie’s appointment until further discussions could be held regarding his qualifications. 

In a strongly-worded letter to Deputy Minister Martha Morris, Senator Varpilah questioned whether Kollie had the requisite skills for the position, which demands expertise in public administration and health services management — fields in which Kollie has limited experience.

While Kollie’s medical background as a nurse was acknowledged, his minimal managerial experience — largely limited to running a drugstore — raised concerns. 

The CHSA role requires expertise in health management, financial oversight, and strategic leadership, areas in which critics argue Kollie lacks sufficient training.

On February 24, a group of youth from Grand Cape Mount County staged a peaceful protest against Kollie’s appointment. The protest took place outside the County Health Team Office in Sinje Town, Garwula District, where demonstrators voiced concerns about Kollie’s qualifications. 

The protesters, led by Thompson M. Kiatamba, called for a qualified administrator with proven experience in health services management.

Kiatamba read a petition during the protest, stating, “The County Health Services Administrator must have the skills to manage health systems effectively, make strategic decisions, and lead a team.” He further warned that the protest would continue until the concerns were addressed.

The Ministry of Health’s guidelines for the CHSA position require candidates to hold a degree in Public Administration or a related field, along with substantial experience in health administration —criteria that Kollie’s background does not meet.