GBARNGA, Bong County – Prominent human rights advocate and Executive Director of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), Aaron G.V. Juahkollie, has issued strong criticisms of the Bong County Council, accusing it of operating without transparency, lacking independence and failing to involve citizens in major governance matters.
During a press briefing and a detailed radio interview held Wednesday, April 16, in Gbarnga, Juahkollie expressed serious concerns about the ineffective implementation of the Local Government Act (LGA), stating that the council is not fulfilling its duty to serve the public.
“The council is not acting independently or in the people’s interest. Local authorities push decisions onto them, often without any proper public involvement,” Juahkollie said. “They’ve turned into a rubber stamp, similar to the criticisms previously aimed at the National Legislature.”
Juahkollie, who played a major role in the push for Bong County’s adoption of the LGA—making it the first county in Liberia to do so—shared his disappointment in how it is being applied.
“We anticipated challenges, just like other countries such as Kenya faced during devolution. But our main worry now is that many citizens are not literate, and these legal documents are all in English, not in any local dialect,” he said. “How do we expect people to get involved if they can’t even understand the documents?”
Disputes Over Project Selection and Oversight
One of Juahkollie’s major grievances centered on certain approved projects, especially the $280,000 renovation of the presidential palace in Gbarnga. According to him, the project was never part of the County Development Agenda (CDA) and had no public approval.
“That project was never validated by the public. It was just rushed through the council,” he said. “Meanwhile, citizens are demanding schools and improved health care—issues that are clearly outlined in the CDA. Why aren’t those being prioritized?”
He did, however, praise community-based initiatives such as the school construction in Kollie-Ta Wola, which he said are consistent with the population’s needs. He criticized the palace renovation as politically driven and lacking proper evaluation.
Juahkollie also commended Council Member Marvelene Lepoku for voicing opposition to the palace project.
“She stood with the youth and spoke against it, but unfortunately, her voice was overpowered by the majority,” he noted.
Lack of Transparency and Budget Clarity
The FIND executive director further condemned the council’s failure to share public reports on key governance matters.
“They’ve already passed at least three major policy instruments, including the 100-Day Deliverables and an $800,000 spending plan, yet there are no public reports showing how these funds have been used,” he said.
He noted that formal attempts to obtain these reports and budget details have been unsuccessful.
“Where is the transparency? These documents are kept out of public reach, and people remain uninformed,” he said.
Additionally, Juahkollie criticized the decision to allocate $20,000 for a one-month awareness campaign on the CDA, calling it both impractical and ineffective.
“How do you raise awareness about a document that isn’t even being used as the primary development guide?” he asked.
Politics Eclipsing Good Governance
According to Juahkollie, the core of these problems lies in the increasing politicization of the council’s activities, which he said now resemble national political dysfunction.
“What we’re seeing mirrors national politics. Logic is overridden by majority votes. Even when youth organizations speak out, they’re ignored,” he said.
He claimed that council members are under pressure from local political elites and pass decisions without proper scrutiny or public input.
“They lack independence. Instead of being representatives of the people, they’re functioning like stems—just conduits for higher authorities,” he said.
Reconciliation Initiative or Political Display?
Juahkollie also critiqued the ongoing reconciliation efforts spearheaded by Bong County Legislative Caucus Chair Sen. Prince Kermue Moye and Superintendent Noleyah Hawa Norris, who recently appointed Dr. Mogana Flomo Jr. to lead the process.
While acknowledging Dr. Flomo’s competence and credibility, Juahkollie questioned the validity and direction of the initiative.
“Who exactly are we trying to reconcile? Is it lawmakers with each other, or the representatives with their citizens?” he asked. “The government and the U.N. already have reconciliation frameworks and peace plans, but they’re just gathering dust.”
He called the appointment of Dr. Flomo without clear terms of reference a “disgrace,” clarifying that his critique was directed at the flawed process, not the person chosen.
Need for Civic Education and Public Involvement
Despite his criticisms, Juahkollie expressed hope that Bong County’s current experience can become a foundation for better governance in the future.
“This council is a test case. The next one after 2027 should be stronger and more informed, but we must start building awareness now,” he said.
To that end, he proposed a weekly 30-minute radio program titled Local Government Hour to be aired on community stations to educate the public on the LGA, CDA and their civic rights.
“We’re willing to offer our time and expertise free of charge. What’s needed now is awareness. Once people understand their rights and the law, they’ll be better equipped to demand accountability,” he said.
Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Anthony Myers, lauded the initiative, noting that it has been a long and thoughtful journey leading to the validation phase. He emphasized the LITP’s vital role in supporting ongoing tax and fiscal reforms, particularly in addressing outdated provisions within the Liberia Revenue Code, which is now over 25 years old. “This is a critical step toward harmonizing our fiscal laws and strengthening public financial management,” he said.
Also addressing the forum was former LRA Commissioner General Elfrieda Stewart Tamba, who commended the resilience and dedication of the LITP’s leadership. She encouraged members to remain committed to the vision of establishing a robust professional body that can serve as a reliable partner in the national tax ecosystem.
Mr. Arthur W. B. Fumba, Acting Vice President of LITP, confirmed the full support of LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, who recognizes the Institute’s potential to significantly improve tax compliance and domestic revenue mobilization. He also noted that the LITP currently holds provisional membership with the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) and looks forward to full membership upon the legal establishment.
The validation exercise is being facilitated by constitutional lawyer and Chair of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Jallah Barbu, whose expertise is guiding the legal framing of the Act.
Upon conclusion of the validation, the draft legislation will be submitted to the National Legislature for enactment, in accordance with Chapter 10, Article 89 of the Liberian Constitution, which provides for the creation of public agencies necessary for effective governance. LITP stands to be a game-changer for Liberia’s tax administration, offering a structured platform for professionalism, ethical standards, and technical support that will drive sustainable fiscal growth and economic transformation.
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