Chief Dowah Replaces Chief Kawah as Head of National Council of Chiefs

Published: August 10, 2024

GANTA, August 10, 2024 – The Paramount Chief of Boinsen Chiefdom, Bong County, has been elected Chairman of the National Council of Chiefs of Liberia.

By S. Kannay Ziamo, Nimba County

Chief Arthur W. Dowah triumphed over Chiefs Bob Koffi Zah and Nelson Neow of Rivercess and Maryland counties, respectively, in a three-man contest held during the evening hours of Friday, August 9. Chief Zah received nine votes, while Chief Neow secured just one vote.

The election of Chief Dowah and the new corps of officers to lead the National Council of Chiefs marks the end of Chief Zanzan Kawah’s long-term leadership.

Other officials elected to the council’s leadership include Chief Ballah Gbotolo of Lofa County as Vice Chairman for Culture and Traditional Affairs and Chief Rhoda Garmue of Grand Gedeh County as Vice Chairperson for Peace Building and Reconciliation.

The election of the new leadership for the council aligns with Chapter 3 of the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018, which, among other provisions, repealed the National Traditional Council previously headed by Chief Zanzan Kawah and replaced it with the National Council of Chiefs.

The elected officials will be inducted into their respective offices today by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia.