Published: August 5, 2026
ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County – The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has lost one of its senior county leaders after Grand Gedeh County Chairperson Dede D. Mechlain announced his immediate resignation from both his leadership position and membership in the opposition party, citing unfulfilled promises made during former President George Weah’s administration, internal disrespect, and a desire to pursue a new political path.
In a resignation letter dated Aug. 3, 2026, addressed to CDC National Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo, Mechlain said his decision was made in accordance with Article 17 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.
The former county chairman said his departure was fueled by what he described as the CDC’s failure to honor several commitments former President Weah made during an overnight visit to Grand Gedeh County on Feb. 21, 2021.
According to Mechlain, the unfulfilled commitments included the renovation of the Albert T. White Sports Pitch, beautification of Zwedru City Hall, construction of the Elim Chapel Assemblies of God Church, development of the Timah Town Market, rehabilitation of the Zwedru Multilateral High School basketball court, and modernization of the Smile FM building.
“The refusal of my former party, the CDC, to embark on any of those promises… brought total embarrassment to my leadership,” Mechlain wrote.
He also accused the party of undermining his authority while serving as county chairperson. Among his grievances, Mechlain alleged that members of the committee organizing the CDC anniversary celebration in Grand Gedeh were appointed without his consultation and that several former CDC government officials from the county consistently showed disrespect toward his leadership.
Beyond his dissatisfaction with the party, Mechlain said he intends to focus on the growth and well-being of his family while preparing for what he described as “a new political endeavor.”
He further argued that Grand Gedeh’s development should take precedence over partisan loyalty, saying the county should no longer be treated as a “reserve voting bloc” during elections.
In a notable political shift, Mechlain commended the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, saying the government’s ARREST Agenda has delivered visible development projects in Grand Gedeh County.
He cited the expansion of electricity to towns and villages, maintenance of the Grand Gedeh-Nimba road corridor, the provision of 16 pieces of earth-moving equipment, placement of volunteer teachers on the government payroll, timely salary payments, renovation of public schools, construction of a modern student center at Grand Gedeh University, and improved budgetary support to public institutions.
Despite his sharp criticism of the CDC, Mechlain ended his resignation letter by wishing the party success in its quest to return to power in the 2029 general elections.
Neither the CDC national leadership nor representatives of former President Weah had publicly responded to Mechlain’s resignation at the time of publication.
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