Published: July 28, 2025
ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County — Breaking an 18-year tradition of silence from lawmakers in Grand Gedeh’s District #1, Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, Sr., on Saturday became the first sitting representative in nearly two decades to publicly present a legislative report to his constituents—marking a bold shift toward accountability and citizen engagement.
Addressing a packed town hall at Zwedru City Hall, Sokan detailed the year-one achievements, including infrastructure upgrades, youth support, legislative oversight, and national reforms. The event drew local leaders, elders, women’s groups, youth, religious figures, and residents from across the district—many of whom described the day as historic.
“This is not politics as usual,” said Grand Gedeh Superintendent Alex C. Grant. “It’s rare to see a lawmaker return not to campaign, but to report back. That’s a powerful precedent.”
Roads, Lights, and Access
Sokan’s report centered on long-overdue infrastructure improvements. He outlined road rehabilitation efforts in Tchien District, linking Frenzy, Garlo-ville, Gboleken, and the Grand Gedeh Community College—routes that had been neglected for years.
“For too long, our people walked knee-deep in mud,” Sokan said. “We prioritized roads because they connect everything—education, healthcare, trade, and security.”
Market woman Sarah Dweh echoed that sentiment. “I used to spend hours just trying to get my goods into town,” she said. “Now I can make two or three trips a day. That changes my income.”
In addition to roads, Sokan’s office installed over 600 solar-powered streetlights across Zwedru and nearby communities, a move credited with reducing nighttime crime and improving mobility.
“Our communities are now well-lit, and petty crime has dropped,” said Rev. Zleh W. Zulu, a local faith leader. “Evening worship is safer, and children no longer study in the dark.”
Education, Youth, and Sports
Sokan highlighted education and youth empowerment as key priorities. He reported financial assistance to 52 students enrolled at institutions including the University of Liberia, BlueCrest University, and Grand Gedeh University College.
His office also supported the WASSCE Saturday Tutorial Program and provided logistical help to the Grand Gedeh County University Student Union (GGUSU).
“Education is not charity, it’s a necessity,” Sokan told the audience. “If we don’t invest in our youth, we’ll have no future.”
For the 2024–25 National County Sports Meet, his office contributed LD 480,000 to the Grand Gedeh County team and distributed sports gear to all 16 high schools in Zwedru and across eight administrative districts.
“Young people don’t just need speeches, they need support,” said youth leader Samuel G. Wiah. “This gives us hope that we’re finally being prioritized.”
Religious and Social Inclusion
Sokan also reported interventions to support faith-based and marginalized groups. The Good News AG Church received $1,000 to install air conditioning, while the Grand Gedeh Council of Churches got LD 50,000 and 10 bags of rice for its ongoing office project. The Muslim community received assistance during the month of Ramadan.
Notably, he pledged to renovate an abandoned office space for the disabled community, which had long been neglected in District #1.
“For too long, we’ve been treated as afterthoughts,” said Ruth Togar, a physically challenged resident. “Today, I heard our name called and our needs addressed.”
Oversight and Legislative Action
As Chair of the House Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment, Sokan led over 30 oversight meetings in his first year.
He cited progress on reviving the stalled Putu Iron Ore Mining Agreement, oversight of coastal defense projects in Sinoe, Bassa, and Montserrado counties, and reviews of Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation’s expansion efforts.
“These aren’t just national issues—they’re Grand Gedeh issues,” he said. “When mining stalls or water systems fail, our people suffer.”
On the legislative front, he introduced an amendment to the 2018 Local Government Act and is drafting a national Climate Change Law to boost decentralization and environmental resilience.
Transparency Through Engagement
Sokan emphasized “governance by engagement” as a core leadership philosophy. Over the past year, he held four town hall meetings and regularly appeared on local radio to update constituents.
“For 18 years, we saw lawmakers vanish after election day,” said Elder John Bedell. “Now we have someone who comes back, listens, and reports. That’s the leadership we’ve been missing.”
2025 Priorities
Sokan outlined key goals for the coming year:
- Electrification of all 56 communities in the district
- Expanded water and sanitation access in partnership with LWSC
- Public latrine construction to combat open defecation
- Revitalization of the nursing program at the Grand Gedeh County Community College
- Border security enhancements and local peacebuilding
- Support for market women’s cooperatives
- Completion of the long-abandoned school near the Zwedru market
“These are not campaign promises,” he said. “They are based on community consultations and reflect your real priorities.”
A Digital Boost on Independence Day
On July 26, as part of Independence Day celebrations, Sokan also dedicated a multipurpose hall in the FDA Community of Zwedru. Equipped with computers and Starlink internet, the center is designed to serve as a digital learning hub for students and young people.
“This is more than just a building, it’s an opportunity center for our young people,” Sokan said.
The hall is one of several ongoing development projects, including public lighting, school support, and infrastructure improvements.
A New Chapter?
The day ended with a mix of gratitude and renewed urgency.
“We’re not asking for miracles,” said women’s leader Martha Jolo. “We just want to be seen, heard, and served. And for the first time in years, that’s starting to happen.”
Rev. Zleh Zulu agreed: “We pray this spirit of accountability continues. Let this not be a one-time event; let it be a new culture.”
Discussion about this post